The Effect of Delayed Scanning of PSP Sensors in Different Storage Conditions on the Diagnostic Quality of Apical Portion

Low quality of radiographic images may disturb crucial information and lead to retaking of the radiograph and unnecessary exposure to patients. Therefore، evaluation of the effect of delayed scanning and storage condition of photostimulable storage phosphor (PSP) sensors in diagnostic quality of digital images seems important. In this in vitro study، 60 radiographic images were obtained by 12 Digora PSP sensors in three storage condition; light room with lucent protective plastic، light space with dark protective plastic، dark space with dark protective plastic، and five various scanning time delay; 0، 5، 10، 15، 20 minutes. Digital radiographic images were exported to the new folder as TIFF format and presented to three observers. Kruskal-Wallis test with level of significance less than 0. 05 was used for statistical analysis. Comparing image quality in different storage conditions of PSP sensors، revealed no significant difference among the observers. There was no significant difference among different delays in scanning times for each observer. Scanning of PSP sensors with 5 to 20 minutes delay has no negative effect on image quality in diagnosis of apical portion. Black or transparent cover and dark or light storage environments were not effective in reducing the effect of delayed scanning and signal fading. An important point is the influence of training on improvement in perception and interpretation of digital radiography.