Quality Control of Lung Cancer Screening by Chest Radiography in the Era of Digitization and Monitor Diagnoses -for Assurance of the Digital Image Quality-

Abstract

Chest X-ray is the most important element for lung cancer screening, and digital radiography has enjoyed increasing usage in recent years. Although the technology supporting digital radiography has rapidly developed year by year, the records regarding the recommended conditions of equipment for lung cancer screening have not been updated in a timely manner. We therefore established an annual update system describing the appropriate conditions of screening equipment on the website of the Japan Lung Cancer Society. Furthermore, we have also described the appropriate conditions of diagnostic monitors for lung cancer screening. However, as another issue of concern, the chest digital X-ray images submitted to several local interpretation centers are often of insufficient quality, due in nearly all cases to equipment problems. We have since examined the equipment to identify the reason for the low-quality radiography images and resolved the issues with the full cooperation of the equipment's manufacturing company. In this manner, we intend to continue to contribute to improving lung cancer screening efforts.