Digital Radiography: A Comprehensive Overview

Digital radiography is a type of X-ray imaging. It is done digitally instead of using photographic film. It is a quicker, less costly method than using photographic film because it skips the chemical process and allows the X-ray technologist to digitally enhance and transfer images.

Capture

• Images are captured as a beam passes through the patient's body using a digital image capture device. There are two key categories of these capture devices: indirect flat panel detectors and direct flat panel detectors. An indirect flat panel detector converts X-rays to light. Direct flat panel detectors convert X-ray photons directly to produce an electric signal, which creates pixels in the X-ray image.

Transfer

• The image data file is sent to a computer for display. The technologist can use digital processing to change characteristics and enhance images. After processing, the image the technologist sends it to the radiologist for diagnosis.

Storage

• Digital radiography images are saved and stored as digital data in the computer system. The digital file is placed in the patient's medical record. This results in quick image retrieval.