Effects of Luminance and Resolution on Observer Performance with Chest Radiographs

Abstract

At a resolution of 400-microm pixels or higher across the field of view and a luminance of 260 cd/m(2) or more, primary diagnosis with posteroanterior chest radiographs is not likely to be affected by the quality of display.

Detectability of a lung nodule displayed on a liquid-crystal display monitor with different maximum luminance settings

“…Two studies have been reported on the effects of the luminance of a specially constructed viewing box [1] and the cathode-ray tube (CRT) monitor on observer performance with chest radiographs [2]. Herron et al [1] suggested that the brightness of the viewing box of 75 footlamberts (260 cd/m 2 ) or greater should be sufficient for a primary diagnosis of posteroanterior chest images.…”

“…Herron et al [1] suggested that the brightness of the viewing box of 75 footlamberts (260 cd/m 2 ) or greater should be sufficient for a primary diagnosis of posteroanterior chest images. Goo et al [2] described that, when an adequate window width and an adequate level of soft-copy images are applied, a primary diagnosis of chest radiographs on a CRT monitor is unlikely to be affected under low ambient light and at a monitor luminance of 25 foot-lamberts or more.…”

Chest Including Lungs and Mediastinum

“…With a lower level of luminance, certain lesions, particularly pneumothorax, interstitial lung disease, and rib fracture, may be poorly demonstrated (Herron et al 2000 ). Ambient light should be maintained at a lower level than typical offi ce lighting.…”

“…With digital and PACS systems, soft copy images are displayed on the workstation. Detection The patient also has a right subpulmonic effusion of interstitial lung disease or rib fracture warrants adequate luminance of the workstation monitor, while detection of pneumothorax requires both luminance and high-resolution monitor (Herron et al 2000 ). The disadvantages of cathode ray tube (CRT) and liquid crystal display (LCD) monitors are that these provide less luminance than a view box.…”

“…The disadvantages of cathode ray tube (CRT) and liquid crystal display (LCD) monitors are that these provide less luminance than a view box. Herron et al ( 2000 ) suggested that a true resolution of 1,024 pixels across the fi eld of view and a monitor brightness of at least 75 foot-lamberts (260 cd/m 2 ) are essential for primary diagnosis with PA chest radiographic images. The maximum luminance of gray-scale monitors recommended by the American College of Radiology is at least 50 foot-lamberts (171 cd/m 2 ).…”