Teleradiology using low-cost consumer-oriented computer hardware and software.

Publication/Presentation Date

5-1-1999

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Our study was a practice audit to evaluate the feasibility of using low-cost, consumer-oriented computer hardware and software to perform after-hours teleradiology consisting predominantly of CT images.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a prospective study of 137 consecutive emergent CT scans of the head obtained after business hours. The scans were digitized using a consumer-oriented, low-cost flatbed scanner and sent to on-call radiologists for interpretation. Preliminary reports were then telephoned to the referring physician. Another radiologist who was unaware of the preliminary report evaluated the hard-copy images.

RESULTS: Combining cases with minor discrepancies and those of complete agreement, we found a 96% concordance. Five major discrepancies (4%) were found. No adverse outcomes resulted. Discrepancies were caused by interobserver variation rather than by the quality of the digitized images.

CONCLUSION: Our results support the use of consumer-oriented, low-cost computer hardware and software for emergent teleradiology in which most of the transmitted studies consist of CT images of the head.

Volume

172

Issue

5

First Page

1181

Last Page

1184

ISSN

0361-803X

Disciplines

Diagnosis | Medicine and Health Sciences | Other Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment | Radiology

PubMedID

10227485

Department(s)

Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Medical Imaging

Document Type

Article

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