If you think Computed Radiography (CR) and Digital Radiography (DR) are the same, you’re mistaken. The difference between a DR system and CR system is simply that the former is truly a digital X-ray while the latter is not. In a CR system, the X-ray image is captured in analog form, which is converted to digital, by the use of a digitizer. There is some loss of useful signal during this process. It is therefore less efficient compared to a DR system, which directly produces a digital image, thanks to the scintillator layer on the DR panel.
Are you someone who is totally confused with these terms?’ If yes, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s a breakdown of the major differences between Computed Radiography and Digital Radiography.
What is Computed Radiography?
Computed Radiography is not a fully digital X-ray system. It is an indirect medical imaging process designed to be a replacement for traditional film radiography. It uses rigid or flexible cassette-based phosphor storage plates (PSP), which facilitates their use in many applications.
Following X-ray exposure, the imaging plate which stores the latent image is removed from the cassette and scanned by a digitiser (CR), converting it into a digital format. Once digitised, it can be virtually stored and shared electronically. The image can be later printed on a film using a separate printer.
What is Digital Radiography?
Digital radiography, or DR, is a truly digitised X-ray system. It uses a digital detector array, also known as a flat panel detector, instead of imaging plates. The detector converts the X-rays (directly or indirectly) into the form of a digital image which can be viewed instantly.
Compared to the CR system, DR requires only a smaller dose of radiation and thus less exposure time to attain great image quality. Images can also be manipulated and enhanced in a much better way using grey-scale transforms and filters. Apart from that, the flat panel detectors can also be used a number of times, and since there is no need for scanning or chemical processing, it can be considered a very efficient and cost-effective solution.
CRs and DRs are used to produce digital X-ray images. The key difference between them is that while CR systems still depend on a cassette housing an imaging plate, the latter directly captures the image onto a flat panel detector without the need for a cassette.
The digital images produced by both these imaging systems are useful. However, when it comes to different industries or particular applications, one form of system may stand above the other. It’s up to you to decide which one works the best for your needs.
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