Evaluation of relative speed of latent images in relation to changes in fading time and storage temperature of imaging plates in computed radiography systems.

This study aimed to evaluate the relative speed (RS) of latent images in relation to changes in the fading time and storage temperature of imaging plates (IPs) in computed radiography systems. The storage temperatures adopted were 20, 30, and 40°C, while the fading times employed were 0, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours. The X-ray exposure factors were 50 kVp, 10 mAs, and a 150 cm distance from an IP to an X-ray source. In the processing of each image, the parameters used for multi-scale image contrast amplification were multiscale image contrast, noise reduction, edge enhancement, and latitude reduction, all assigned a value of 0. Image sensitivity was used to convert linear properties. The RS used for the characteristic curve was evaluated using a uniform aluminum 11-step wedge. Results show that the RS values of IPs with changing fading time were 17.8 ± 0.9 at 20°C, 13.9 ± 1.1 at 30°C, and 13.4 ± 0.9 at 40°C. On the basis of these findings, we conclude that IPs should be stored in the long term at temperatures as low as 20°C.