Efficiency of operation and robustness of internal image processing for a new type of phosphorplate scanner connected to HIS and PACS

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Abstract
We report on our experience with a recently introduced phosphorplate system (AGFA Diagnostic Center) from the viewpoint of overall operation efficiency. A first factor that determines efficiency is the time it takes to enter patient and examination information. A second factor is robustness of the automated image processing algorithms provided in the CR, as this determines the need for interactive image reprocessing on the workstation or for film retake. Both factors are strongly influenced by the integration of the modality within the HIS, whereby information about the patient and the examination request is automatically transferred to the phosphorplate system. Problems related to wrongly entered patient information are virtually eliminated. In comparison with manual entry of patient demographic data, efficiency has increased significantly. The examination information provided by the HIS helps the CR system to select optimal processing parameters automatically in the majority of situations. Furthermore, the image processing algorithms turn out to be rather robust and independent of pathology. We believe that both the HIS connection and the robustness of internal image processing contribute to making the current percentage of retakes and reprocessing in the order of 1.2% and 0.9% respectively, compared to more than 8% of retakes in the previous analogue systems.

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