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The use of a contrast–detail test object in the optimization of optical density in mammography

Regional Medical Physics Department, Newcastle General Hospital, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 6BE, UK

In mammography, it is important that the maximum amount of diagnostic information is obtained from each radiograph. One of the factors influencing image quality is the optical density of the film. In this study, a contrast–detail test object was used to establish the optimum optical density value on the basis of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for two mammographic film–screen combinations under particular processing conditions. The optimum optical density, taken as being the point at which the threshold contrast is a minimum varied little with detail size. The optimum optical density for the Fuji film–screen combination with Photosol chemistry was found to be higher than that for the Kodak film–screen combination and Kodak processing conditions studied. Although the actual values of optical density are specific to the fixed processing conditions encountered, the technique has more general applicability.

Received for publication January 26, 1994. Revision received September 20, 1994. Accepted for publication September 30, 1994.

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