Specification and initial evaluation of a multiple application teleradiology system.

Abstract

The digitization and transmission of medical images is becoming increasingly more important and available. The selection of appropriate clinical applications for teleradiology systems is an important factor in determining the success of such ventures. In this paper, the selection of such applications and the evaluation of the teleradiology system is described. The system (LIAISON, CAPTEC Ltd, Malahide, Ireland) is PC based and is capable of digitization and transmission of three categories of medical images: (1) plain film radiographs; (2) CT film data and (3) video sequences such as ultrasound scans. A comprehensive technical evaluation was carried out on the acquisition and display station in which various parameters such as spatial resolution, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and distortion were investigated. Results showed that the system performed well within specifications. An exploratory clinical evaluation was performed using a case mix of subtle fractures, chests and dislocations, and CT scans. Here the system performed well with a diagnostic accuracy of 95% for the digital image compared with the analogue image.