A Structured Historical Overview of the Evolution of Digital Radiography
Digital radiography (DR) has most often replaced screen-film radiography in the department of radiology in the past two decades. Several types of detectors and readout mechanisms are available today for digital imaging. In an image archiving and communication system using digital detectors, images are stored digitally and can be retrieved at any time. Image distribution in hospitals can now be achieved electronically utilizing web-based technology with no risk of losing images. Other advantages of DR include higher patient throughput, increased dose efficiency, and the greater dynamic range of digital detectors with the possible reduction of radiation exposure to the patient. The future of radiography will be digital. It is essential for radiologists to be familiar with the technical principles, image quality criteria, and radiation exposure issues associated with the various DR systems currently available. A structured historical overview of digital radiography is outlined in this bl...