OBJECTIVE: To compare the first generation VIXA (Gendex, Milan, Italy) and the RVG-S (Trophy Radiologie, Vincennes, France) for detection of defects in an aluminium test object at various exposures both with and without added niobium filtration. METHODS: Images of a 7 mm aluminium test object with defects ranging from 0.1 to 1.5 mm with standardized projection geometry. Seven dentists acted as observers. Perceptibility curves were developed for both sensors under the various filtration conditions and exposures. RESULTS: At optimum exposures both the VIXA and the RVG-S permitted the same number of defects to be observed. The optimum exposures were similar for the two systems, but the dynamic range was greater for the RVG-S. Addition of niobium filtration did not appreciably alter the radiation dose required to perceive a given number of defects using either system. CONCLUSIONS: The two systems performed equally at optimum exposure when the dose is approximately the same irrespective of the presence or absence of niobium filtration. Beyond the optimal level, the RVG-S outperformed the VIXA system.
OBJECTIVE: To compare the first generation VIXA (Gendex, Milan, Italy) and the RVG-S (Trophy Radiologie, Vincennes, France) for detection of defects in an aluminium test object at various exposures both with and without added niobium filtration. METHODS: Images of a 7 mm aluminium test object with defects ranging from 0.1 to 1.5 mm with standardized projection geometry. Seven dentists acted as observers. Perceptibility curves were developed for both sensors under the various filtration conditions and exposures. RESULTS: At optimum exposures both the VIXA and the RVG-S permitted the same number of defects to be observed. The optimum exposures were similar for the two systems, but the dynamic range was greater for the RVG-S. Addition of niobium filtration did not appreciably alter the radiation dose required to perceive a given number of defects using either system. CONCLUSIONS: The two systems performed equally at optimum exposure when the dose is approximately the same irrespective of the presence or absence of niobium filtration. Beyond the optimal level, the RVG-S outperformed the VIXA system.