The diagnostic accuracy attainable when viewing medical images on handheld devices and other new display technologies compares about evenly with that obtained when the same images are viewed on a conventional high-resolution, high-brightness desktop monitor, according to the results of an informal study at an infoRAD exhibit this week.During the RSNA meeting, infoRAD attendees have been invited to participate in a receiver operating characteristics (ROC) study by interpreting 10 to 12 images. The ROC statistics obtained during the meeting are being displayed and used to determine the comparative accuracy of the devices.
"Three technologies are coming together: wireless, hand-held devices, and new display technologies like organic light-emitting diodes," said Dr. David Piraino, a radiologist at the Cleveland Clinic and a member of the RSNA Electronic Communications Committee.
Tracking and assessing image quality is important because many wireless and handheld applications are finding their way into medical processes. The Cleveland Clinic, for instance, dispenses handheld devices to each incoming member of the house staff.
Piraino's exhibit is attempting to determine what differences may exist between viewing images such as head CTs on a high-resolution black-and-white monitor versus a pocket PC or tablet-based PC.
"Results of the study have been surprisingly even, even though the resolution on the pocket PCs is significantly less. We think that as these technologies converge, the ability to display images on handheld devices is going to get better," Piraino said.
Handheld devices are currently limited to 240 x 320-pixel resolution, compared with standard PACS monitors that feature 2048 x 2048-pixel resolution. Gray scale is also substandard on handhelds: 32 versus 256.
The pocket PC rated slightly higher than the tablet PC, even though the tablet has better resolution. Piraino attributed this to the lighting in the exhibit area.
Wireless technology and handheld devices have a place in referring physicians' rounds, he said. A surgeon can download all the imaging sets needed and carry them on rounds in a handheld, eliminating the nuisance of logging on and off PACS at every bedside.
"With a wireless network you can be continuously connected," Piraino said.
