Reducing the absorbed dose in analogue radiography of infant chest images by improving the image quality, using image processing techniques

Radiat Prot Dosimetry. 2011 Sep;147(1-2):176-9. doi: 10.1093/rpd/ncr294. Epub 2011 Jul 9.

Abstract

Radiographic inspection is one of the most widely employed techniques for medical testing methods. Because of poor contrast and high un-sharpness of radiographic image quality in films, converting radiographs to a digital format and using further digital image processing is the best method of enhancing the image quality and assisting the interpreter in their evaluation. In this research work, radiographic films of 70 infant chest images with different sizes of defects were selected. To digitise the chest images and employ image processing the two algorithms (i) spatial domain and (ii) frequency domain techniques were used. The MATLAB environment was selected for processing in the digital format. Our results showed that by using these two techniques, the defects with small dimensions are detectable. Therefore, these suggested techniques may help medical specialists to diagnose the defects in the primary stages and help to prevent more repeat X-ray examination of paediatric patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted*
  • Infant
  • Radiation Dosage*
  • Radiation Monitoring
  • Radiographic Image Enhancement*
  • Radiography, Thoracic / methods*
  • Radiography, Thoracic / standards*
  • Software
  • X-Ray Intensifying Screens