OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the diagnostic performance of a portable indirect flat-panel detector for low-dose imaging as compared with an asymmetric film-screen system in a pediatric intensive care unit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 120 neonates underwent chest radiographs using a portable flat-panel detector (digital speed 800) and an asymmetric film-screen system (400 speed). Four readers evaluated the detection of 11 anatomic and 5 pathologic landmarks and 4 support devices. Statistical analysis was performed using repeated analysis of variance. The level of statistical significance was P = 0.05. RESULTS: The detection of 4 anatomic/4 pathologic landmarks and 2 support devices was significantly better using the flat-panel detector as compared with the asymmetric film-screen system (P < 0.05). Another 8 anatomic and one pathologic landmarks were detected equally well or slightly better with the flat-panel detector (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The portable flat-panel detector offers the potential of a 50% dose reduction with equal or significantly better detection of clinically important structures.
OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the diagnostic performance of a portable indirect flat-panel detector for low-dose imaging as compared with an asymmetric film-screen system in a pediatric intensive care unit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 120 neonates underwent chest radiographs using a portable flat-panel detector (digital speed 800) and an asymmetric film-screen system (400 speed). Four readers evaluated the detection of 11 anatomic and 5 pathologic landmarks and 4 support devices. Statistical analysis was performed using repeated analysis of variance. The level of statistical significance was P = 0.05. RESULTS: The detection of 4 anatomic/4 pathologic landmarks and 2 support devices was significantly better using the flat-panel detector as compared with the asymmetric film-screen system (P < 0.05). Another 8 anatomic and one pathologic landmarks were detected equally well or slightly better with the flat-panel detector (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The portable flat-panel detector offers the potential of a 50% dose reduction with equal or significantly better detection of clinically important structures.