Short communication: use of the European image quality criteria for screen-film comparison--application for...

The aim of this study is the comparison of two different techniques of image evaluation: by phantom simulation and by patient anatomical criteria using those proposed in a European Union working document. Both methods of evaluation were applied to asymmetric and conventional screen-film systems. The European image quality criteria as a tool for comparing the use of image systems is a reasonably valid and objective method. However, a complete practical description of a system using complementary phantom images and test object is a convenient means of obtaining a comprehensive description of the system. Results show that sharpness of mobile organs and the visualization of the retrocardiac and retromammal lung, in posteroanterior projection, and vertex in lateral projection is improved with the InSight system. The phantom images suggest, however, an important loss of resolution and contrast.