Information volume of the medical image differs depending on the modality which creates the image. When installing monitors in your hospital, it is important to consider the "information volume" of the medical images that the monitor needs to display. For example, a 1 megapixel monitor can display 4 slices of CT with an information volume of 512 × 512 pixels, a 2 megapixel monitor can display 6 slices, and a 3 megapixel monitor can display 12 slices without losing any of the information.
- Diagnostic
- Clinical Review
- Digital Mammography
- Surgical
- Quality Control
However, a chest CR which has an information volume of 1760 × 2150 pixels can only be displayed partially with a 1 or 2 megapixel monitor. Thus, in order to display the full image, the information must be stretched causing a thinning effect of the image. Using a 3 megapixel monitor, the image can be displayed fully without the information being thinned-out and a resulting loss in image quality.
It is important to select the monitor which suits the medical images. With RadiForce diagnostic monitors, you can select the optimum monitor which is suited for the information volume of the medical image you need to display.
Standard monitors for general office use have grayscale tone characteristics which may vary even between the same models. In the medical field, monitors must display medical images accurately and consistently. Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) Part 14 specifies a display function for grayscale which is now used as a standard to adjust the grayscale tone characteristics of monitors used in the medical field.
Medical images can now be reviewed with clinical record applications. However, it is costly for hospitals to install high-performance, DICOM calibration compatible diagnostic monitors throughout the entire hospital, and a cost-efficient solution is demanded for clinical review application usage environment.
With the bundled RadiCS LE quality control software installed, a built-in backlight sensor periodically checks for brightness irregularities of RadiForce MX-Series monitors. Furthermore, simplified calibration compliant with the DICOM Part 14 standard can be periodically performed to correct the brightness and grayscale tones of the monitor. Superior cost performance will be achieved when installing a large number of monitors compliant to DICOM Part 14 in clinical review application usage environments.
As the incidence of breast cancer rises, regular mammograms are recommended for early detection. It is vital in the process of early breast cancer detection to find subtle masses and calcifications. Film imaging for mammography diagnosis has long been the primary methodology. However, to meet the demand for a higher quality of images and reduction of reading time and cost, digitizing and networking of medical images in a filmless environment is spreading rapidly.
The transition from film to filmless mammography naturally requires a monitor to display extremely precise images equal to or better than film mammography. In the mammography field today high-performance monitors featuring high resolutions and displaying high density images contribute to the process of early breast cancer detection.
High resolutions are required to display the correct "information volume" of a digital mammography image.
For the detection of mammary gland disorders which appear as "distortion," the monitor needs this required performance in order to display the subtle structures.
For the detection of small tumors which appear as delicate "density" differences, the monitor needs the correct display of extremely subtle grayscale shadings.
For correct luminance display of delicate "density" differences, the monitor needs uniformity in brightness across the entire screen.
For detection of subtle masses and calcifications, the monitor needs to display the outlines of the images with a high degree of sharpness.
For unified image display between multiple monitors, the monitor's tone characteristic is required to comply with the grayscale standard DICOM Part 14.
Since the quality characteristics gradually change over time, monitor that is calibration compliant with DICOM Part 14 is required.
For the continuous quality maintenance and control, monitor enabling easy-to-follow QC procedures is required.
During Interventional Radiology (IR), a wide range of medical information and images are required simultaneously, thus cutting-edge display quality makes a difference by bringing out the details the interventional radiologist needs at the time she needs them.
With its size and resolution, EIZO's large-scale monitors for operating rooms can display images from multiple modalities simultaneously. This improves work efficiency while solving common issues encountered in multi-monitor environments like differences in panel color.
In the control room there is a need for high quality diagnostic monitors with larger screens and intelligent picture management to watch and control all applications and images used in the operating room from one centralized working place.
Seamless extension of PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) enables the digital distribution of modality image information into the operating room as an alternative to traditional film. Having a large monitor that is compliant with DICOM Part 14 and capable of handling a large volume of information reduces the overall equipment footprint in the operating room while increasing flexibility and efficiency.
The advances in endoscopic video cameras used in procedures have increased demands placed on monitors deployed with these systems. EIZO monitors offer smooth rendering of the movements and variable color adjustments for easier tissue recognition.
All devices used in an operating room must fulfill special hygienic requirements. EIZO monitors come with a waterproof glass panel protector for safe and clean integration in the operating room. With their clean lines and smooth surfaces, all monitors allow easy cleaning and disinfection and were designed for appropriate resistance to medical cleaning agents.
A1 Monitor quality is determined by brightness, grayscale and brightness uniformity characteristics which vary by monitor. Moreover, they change slowly over time.
A2 In a hospital where the images are displayed on different monitors for diagnosis or for past and present image comparison, differences or changes in monitor quality may lead to deterioration in the quality of medical care itself.
A3 Monitor quality control (QC) is required to detect the characteristic difference or the gradual changes and to take suitable steps for maintenance.
A4 Software that can detect changes in monitor characteristics and perform the appropriate calibration when necessary.
A5 Monitor QC assessment and judgment criteria have been standardized and put forward by organizations worldwide such as AAPM, DIN, JIRA, and IEC.
