ntroduction: Image receptors are divided into analog and digital. Analog image receptors include X-ray film, which has been almost completely replaced by digital receptors today. These are divided into CR detectors (fluorescent plates) and DR detectors (CCD, CMOS, flat panel detector). To read a CR image we need a CR reader which allows the latent image to become visible. Digital radiography is divided into direct and indirect radiography. Purpose: The purpose of the diploma thesis is to determine the differences in exposure conditions and image quality when using both systems with electronic exposure control. Methods: In the first part of the diploma work we used a descriptive method, with a review of domestic and foreign academic literature. In the experimental part, we performed measurements in the laboratory of the Faculty of Health Sciences in Ljubljana. Using a CR and DR detector, we compared the exposure conditions for the basic imaging projections of the hand in PA, the foot in LAT, and the ankle in AP projection. For each projection we set the anode voltage (45 kV, 50 kV and 55 kV), and the tube current time product was selected according to EI. We read and recorded DAP and EI, then computer-processed the data and displayed it in tables. Results: The results of the measurements show that we had to increase the tube current time product at DR compared to CR, to achieve EI 250, at the same imaging objects. The highest increase in mAs was recorded in the imaging of the hand PA arm with 55 kV by 42.9%, in the imaging of the foot lateral with 50 kV by 40% and in the imaging of the ankle AP with 45 kV by 77%. The highest dose in our case would be received by the patient when imaging the ankle AP and the lowest when imaging the hand PA. After comparing the quality of both radiographs made on CR and DR detectors, we can see that the quality of radiographs made on DR is better. Discussion and conclusion: After reviewing the existing literature on this topic, we found that the EI is presumably not set correctly on one of the systems at the faculty, as the dose on DR should be lower than on CR for the same image quality. Deviations in the setting of the tube current time product would be smaller if the X-ray machine could adjust the exact value of it, to approach the exposure index of 250. Better quality of radiographs made on DR are attributed to the use of higher tube current time product and better DR image processing software system.
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