Digital imaging in pediatric hospitals.

Thirty-nine of 65 children's hospitals in North America responded to a questionnaire regarding their use of digital fluoroscopy and computed radiography (CR) systems. Both digital modalities are very favorably rated by institutions that have them. Budget constraints limit purchases in the other institutions. Picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) networking is not the primary reason for installation of digital systems. Fourteen of 39 hospitals have digital fluoroscopy and another 9 plan installation within 12 months. The three most highly rated benefits of digital fluoroscopy were decreased radiation dose, immediate visualization of the acquired image on the monitor, and the ability to alter image contrast and density. Four of 39 hospitals have computed radiography. The three most highly rated benefits of computed radiography were more stable image quality, ability to alter contrast and density, and PACS networking.