Influence of the battery level of a handheld X-ray device on the objective image quality of radiographs.

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the influence of the battery level of a handheld X-ray device on the objective image quality of radiographs.

Methods: An acrylic-block was radiographed using a SnapShot solid-state sensor and an Eagle handheld X-ray device set at 60 kVp and 0.88 mAs, with the battery at ten different levels (ranging from fully charged to 10%). Six radiographs were acquired at each level. Mean grey values and standard deviations were collected using ImageJ software to assess image brightness, noise, and uniformity. Additionally, an aluminium step-wedge was radiographed under the same conditions for contrast evaluation. Image quality parameters were compared across different battery levels using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey's post-hoc test (α = 0.05).

Results: Images obtained with a 100% battery level showed higher brightness than those at 50% (P < 0.0001); the battery level did not affect image noise (P = 0.091); uniformity at 20% battery level differed from all other levels (P < 0.0001); and contrast was highest at 90% battery compared to all other levels (P < 0.0001). Overall, the values remained consistent across different battery levels.

Conclusions: Despite some significant differences, the objective image quality remained stable throughout the entire battery charge cycle of the tested handheld X-ray device.