Joanna Lowe BSc, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Patrick C. Brennan PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Mike Evanoff PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Mark McEntee, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

The use of primary class displays for medical diagnosis is standard procedure in clinical practice. However, with expanding digital applications and the use of web browser applications secondary class displays are increasingly being used for treatment decisions. At present the routine quality assurance checks are not as strictly enforced on secondary class displays as they are on primary class displays. This works aims to identify the impact of correct calibration procedures on numerous physical and psychophysical parameters with various types of secondary class liquid crystal displays.

Three common display types were evaluated (n=36) before and after calibration using the Digital Imaging and Communications standard under controlled ambient conditions. American Association of Physicists in Medicine Task Group 18 test patterns were used to examine physical and psychophysical performance of the displays. Results were analysed using the Student’s Paired t-test for significance.

Following calibration, significant improvements in performance were noted in measurements for all psychophysical parameters (veiling glare and luminance response) across all three display types (p≤0.05). Improvements were also statistically significant for physical measurements of minimum luminance (p≤0.05) and contrast ratios (p≤0.05) as well as display uniformity (p≤0.05) in two display types. A significant reduction in performance after calibration was noted with physical veiling glare for a single type of display.

Results obtained demonstrated that calibration has a significant impact on the brightness and contrast of displays and other dependent parameters. Correct calibration can be tested and ascertained in as little as 15 minutes per display and despite the original once off equipment price causes no additional departmental costs.

Ensuring all display types used in the clinical setting are performing optimally will have a positive effect on diagnostic efficacy across the hospital environment.

Lowe, J, Brennan, P, Evanoff, M, McEntee, M, Secondary Class LCD Displays Require Regular Calibration.  Radiological Society of North America 2009 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 29 - December 4, 2009 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2009/8001502.html