NAME MOMINA ALIM UL HASSAN
SAP ID 56585
DEPARTMENT ADP MIT(4TH SEMESTER)
RADIO DIGNOSTICS EQUIPMENTS
ASSIGNMENT#01
Computed Radiography (CR)
Computed Radiography (CR) is a digital imaging technology that serves as an
intermediate step between conventional X-ray film and modern Digital
Radiography (DR). It enables radiologists to capture X-ray images in a digital
format using reusable imaging plates rather than traditional film.
1. Basic Concept of Computed Radiography
In CR, a special Photostimulable Phosphor (PSP) plate replaces conventional X-ray
film. When X-rays hit the PSP plate, the plate stores the X-ray energy as a latent
image. This stored energy is later extracted by a laser scanner, converted into a
digital signal, and displayed as a high-resolution image on a computer screen.
2. How Computed Radiography Works
The CR process consists of five major steps:
Step 1: Exposure (Image Capture)
- The PSP plate is placed inside a cassette and positioned under the X-ray beam,
just like traditional X-ray film.
- When exposed to X-rays, the phosphor layer inside the plate absorbs and stores
the energy from the X-rays, creating a latent (invisible) image.
Step 2: Scanning (Image Readout)
- The cassette is placed into a CR reader (scanner).
- Inside the reader, a laser beam scans the PSP plate, causing it to emit blue light
in proportion to the stored X-ray energy.
- A photodetector (Photomultiplier Tube or CCD sensor) captures this emitted
light.
Step 3: Image Conversion
- The light signal is converted into an electrical signal, which is then processed into
a digital image.
- The digital image can be enhanced, magnified, or adjusted for better
visualization.
Step 4: Image Display and Processing
- The image appears on a computer screen, allowing radiologists to analyze,
adjust contrast, and apply filters for better diagnosis.
- The image can be stored in PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System)
for easy retrieval.
Step 5: Plate Erasure and Reuse
- After scanning, the plate is exposed to bright white light to erase any residual
image.
- The PSP plate can then be reused for another X-ray exposure.
3. Components of Computed Radiography System
1. Photostimulable Phosphor (PSP) Plate
- Made of materials like barium fluorohalide doped with europium.
- Stores the X-ray image until it is processed.
2. CR Reader (Image Processor)
- Uses a laser scanner to extract the stored image.
- Converts light into a digital signal.
- Includes an erasure mechanism to reset the plate.
3. Computer and Software
- Processes and enhances digital images.
- Adjusts contrast, brightness, and sharpness for better diagnosis.
- Saves images in DICOM format for storage in PACS.
4. Advantages of Computed Radiography
✅ Improved Image Quality
- Enhances contrast and brightness for better diagnosis.
- Can apply filters and magnification for clearer details.
✅ Eliminates Film Processing
- No need for darkrooms, chemicals, or film storage.
- Reduces waste and maintenance costs.
✅ Digital Storage and Sharing
- Images can be stored in PACS and shared easily via the hospital network.
- Enables remote diagnosis (teleradiology).
✅ Reusable Imaging Plates
- PSP plates can be used thousands of times, reducing material costs.
✅ Retrofit to Existing X-ray Machines
- Existing X-ray equipment can be upgraded with CR instead of replacing it with
expensive DR systems.
5. Disadvantages of Computed Radiography
❌ Slower Processing than Direct Digital Radiography (DR)
- Requires an additional step (scanning the plate) before displaying the image.
❌ Plate Handling Required
- Unlike DR, where images appear instantly, CR requires manual cassette loading
and unloading.
❌ PSP Plate Degradation
- Over time, plates lose sensitivity and need replacement.
6. Applications of Computed Radiography
📌 Medical Imaging – Used in hospitals, radiology clinics, and orthopedic centers.
📌 Veterinary Radiography – Popular for diagnosing animals due to lower cost.
📌 Industrial Radiography – Used in non-destructive testing (NDT) for inspecting
pipelines, welds, and aerospace components.
📌 Forensic Radiography – Helps in post-mortem and forensic investigations.
