[Bedside chest radiography and optimization of radiographic conditions in the NICU with the Fuji Computed Radiography System].

We devised an application that uses the "Maximum value reading method (AutoIV)" for bedside chest radiography in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) that used the Fuji Computed Radiography (FCR) System. The application, named AutoIV-N, uses the relationship for density correction between radiographic conditions (mAs) and the Display Parameter (GS). GS=f (mAs) can be considered the relationship that connects FCR and the X-ray generator. When AutoIV-N is used, radiographic image contrast does not change. Further, radiographic image density fluctuation can be eliminated by random elements such as X-ray output fluctuation of the X-ray generator and the decline of photo-stimulated luminescence caused by fading of the imaging plate. Accordingly, image recording that is suitable for follow-up chest radiography is made possible. We choose nine patients and performed a comparison of radiographic density fluctuation in AutoIV-N and Fix. AutoIV-N was found to be more stable than Fix. It is possible to use the radiographic imaging condition that is optimized for all patients in the NICU by AutoIV-N. This facilitates radiation exposure optimization in medicine. (Article in Japanese).