Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Acquisition hardware for digital imaging.
- Journal:
- Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association
- Year:
- 2008
- Authors:
- Widmer, William R
- Affiliation:
- School of Veterinary Medicine · United States
Plain-English summary
Digital X-ray imaging is becoming more common in veterinary medicine, with two main types available: computed radiography (CR) and direct digital radiography (DDR). CR uses a two-step process where X-ray sensitive materials capture the image, which is then processed into a digital format. On the other hand, DDR captures images directly and sends them to a computer without needing an extra reader. There are different types of DDR detectors, including flat panel detectors, which convert X-rays into electrical signals, and charge coupled device (CCD) detectors, which work similarly to digital camera chips. Both systems produce high-quality images, but CR is a well-established technology while DDR is newer and still developing.
Abstract
Use of digital radiography is growing rapidly in veterinary medicine. Two basic digital imaging systems are available, computed radiography (CR) and direct digital radiography (DDR). Computed radiographic detectors use a two-step process for image capture and processing. Image capture is by X-ray sensitive phosphors in the image plate. The image plate reader transforms the latent phosphor image to light photons that are converted to an analog electrical signal. An analog to digital converter is used to digitize the electrical signal before computer analysis. Direct digital detectors provide digital data by direct readout after image capture--a reader unnecessary. Types of DDR detectors are flat panel detectors and charge coupled device (CCD) detectors. Flat panel detectors are composed of layers of semiconductors for image capture with transistor and microscopic circuitry embedded in a pixel array. Direct converting flat panel detectors convert incident X-rays directly into electrical charges. Indirect detectors convert X-rays to visible light, then to electrical charges. All flat panel detectors send a digitized electrical signal to a computer using a direct link. Charge coupled device detectors have a small chip similar to those used in digital cameras. A scintillator first converts X-rays to a light signal that is minified by an optical system before reaching the chip. The chip sends a digital signal directly to a computer. Both CR and DDR provide quality diagnostic images. CR is a mature technology while DDR is an emerging technology.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18283979/