Effect of enveloping and disinfection methods on artefact formation on enveloped PSP plate images

Abstract

Objectives To investigate the artefacts caused by different disinfection and protection methods that can be used for infection control of photostimulable phosphor (PSP) plates. Methods The plates that were enveloped with single or double envelopes were sprayed with an alcohol-containing solution or wiped with an alcohol-containing tissue. Four PSP groups with two plates in each group were formed ( A = wiping single envelope, B = wiping double envelopes, C = spraying onto single envelope, and D = spraying onto double envelopes). Any artefacts (1 = no artefact, 2 = presence of artefact less than 0.5 cm wide, and 3 = presence of artefact larger than 0.5 cm wide) on the 12 acquired images were evaluated. Results Artefacts (score-3) occurred on the images of Group C-2 PSP plate after the 3rd exposure. According to the Kruskal–Wallis test the difference between the artefact score of the four methods was found significant. Post-hoc comparisons showed the Group C artefact scores were higher than the others and the difference was significant. The total time of enveloping and disinfection processes for groups was; A = 6.30 min, B = 7.58 min, C = 5.48 min, and D = 7.14 min. Conclusions Regardless of the number of envelopes, wiping with a tissue was less likely to cause artefacts, while spraying was reliable only when double envelopes were used. However, using a tissue and double envelopes, which are less risky in terms of artefact, causes time loss, difficulty in manipulation, environmental pollution and high cost.

Analysis of Artifacts and Errors on Intraoral Phosphor Plate Radiographs: A Retrospective Study

“…Rough handling, excessive bending, patient biting, and forcefully inserting them into the scanner can damage the PPs. These damages can result in diagnostic loss or misdiagnosis, manifesting as cracks, white lines, or scratches that resemble root canal fillings on the image [5,10]. Additionally, friction and continuous use can lead the protective and light-stimulating phosphor layer to peel off at the edges of the plates.…”

“…Additionally, friction and continuous use can lead the protective and light-stimulating phosphor layer to peel off at the edges of the plates. The appearance of contamination, such as glove powder or fingerprints, on the plate surface may indicate a lack of proper cleanliness during plate usage [5,7,9]. According to C ¸alıs ¸kan & Sumer [10], the most common plate artifact was peeling.…”

“…Digital radiographic images are obtained directly, using a charge-coupled device (CCD) or complementary metaloxide semiconductor (CMOS), or indirectly, using phosphor plates (PPs), on a monitor. Compared to CCD or CMOS sensors, PPs are believed to be more acceptable to patients due to features of cordless, flexible, and slim design resembling conventional films [4][5][6]. Despite these advantages, PPs, which can be used repeatedly, are vulnerable to scratching and bending during handling.…”