PubMed Health⌕ Search
Home/Archive/PubMed

PubMed · 8259432

Performance testing of transrectal US scanners.

E L Madsen·J A Zagzebski·I R Medina·G R Frank
View original source ↗Export metadata ↓

Abstract

PURPOSE: To test the performance of transrectal ultrasound (US) scanners in the detection of low-contrast focal lesions as a function of depth, size, and contrast. MATERIALS AND METHODS: US images of two phantoms were analyzed by three observers. One phantom was most suitable for US units allowing scanning in the transverse or longitudinal planes, while the other was suitable for any scanning situation. Both phantoms were made of tissue-mimicking material and had six sections. Five sections contained different sizes of low-contrast simulated lesions, which were of different echogenicities and were randomly distributed to a depth of 8 cm. The sixth section contained only background material and served as a reference. A resolution zone, corresponding to the depth range over which a given type of lesion was detectable, was determined for each of the five lesion-containing sections and a figure of merit equal to a weighted sum of resolution zone lengths computed. RESULTS: Data from 12 different scanner configurations were analyzed; a broad range of figures of merit were found. Agreement was found among the three observers regarding relative performance of the scanner configurations. CONCLUSION: The phantoms are useful for comparing performances of different transrectal US configurations.

Explore related subjects

Evaluation Studies as TopicHumansMaleModels, StructuralProstateUltrasonographyComparative StudyJournal ArticleResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

E L Madsen, J A Zagzebski, I R Medina, G R Frank. 1994. Performance testing of transrectal US scanners.. https://doi.org/10.1148/radiology.190.1.8259432

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related citations

PubMed2007

Complex adaptive systems: a response to Luchins.

Luchins (2003, Administration and Policy in Mental Health, 31(2), 183-186) distinguishes the mutual strengths and shortcomings of qualitative and quantitative approaches as applied to the complexities of evaluation psychiatric hospital functioning in particular, and behavioral healthcare practice in general. This brief response offers an examination of the complex interplay of factors within non-linear models in a conceptualization of complex adaptive systems for understanding causal factors in mental health administration as well as calling into question the myth of the relationship between measurement and hence control and understanding and prediction.

Evaluation Studies as Topic↗
PubMed2007

In search of a familial cancer risk assessment tool.

Approximately one in three individuals will be affected by cancer in their lifetime in the United States, and some are at elevated risk because of family history. Although assessment of family history of cancer and cancer risk is the standard of care, the current health-care system appears unable to meet this need. Because individuals are increasingly using the Internet, web-based cancer risk assessment tools (CRATs) may provide a way to meet this need. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the types of familial CRATs available on the Internet and their nature. The current review evaluated five CRATs identified through an Internet search based on (i) their ability to identify those at the highest risk of cancer (i.e. those with hereditary cancer syndromes), (ii) their strengths and limitations based on criteria adapted from Rich and colleagues (2004, 2005), (iii) their readability based on four readability calculations, and (iv) their quality based on criteria from Health on the Net. The general limitations of CRATs as a whole were also delineated, including concerns about availability to those who are poor and underserved and those who have lower levels of literacy. Recommendations for future tools include assessing risk for a greater number of diseases, using theoretically driven approaches to increase the likelihood that individuals will engage in appropriate health behaviors, and making a greater effort to reach diverse populations.

Evaluation Studies as Topic↗
PubMed2007

Challenges in approaching metasynthesis research.

The overall aim of this study was to contribute to the development of metasynthesis through an analysis of the challenges involved. The study grew out of the critique of qualitative metaresearch raised by current developers of metamethodologies. Different views on the application of methodologies have emerged in the literature, contributing to confusion and ambiguity concerning the challenging questions of what, why, how, and who in metasynthesis research, which might increase the risk of misunderstanding. The roots of metasynthesis research are seen as multifaceted and influencing the development of the methods in different directions. The primary worth of metasynthesis is theoretical and/or methodological development (synthesis) combined with the potential for reflection: going beyond and behind the studies (meta). Metasynthesis research has also the potential to raise questions of research collaboration, culture, and language.

Evaluation Studies as Topic↗