Clinical assessment of phosphor-plate computed radiography: equipment, strategy, and methods.

Initial experiences with a medical innovation project promise future applicability. Scientific assessment of the innovation usually points out deficiencies that must be overcome before optimal, widespread use of the technology is feasible. This presentation details the equipment, strategy, and methodological principles used at the University of Arizona in assessing the clinical use of computed radiography based on using phosphor plates as the X-ray receptor. The focus of this research has been to evaluate the applicability of computed radiography to clinical indications which might test potential weaknesses or virtues of the technology. We present examples of experiments that illustrate the general principles described.