Effect of 3 different disinfection methods on the image quality of photostimulable phosphor plates

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of 3 disinfection protocols on the quality of images acquired with a photostimulable phosphor (PSP) plate system. Study Design: Thirty DIGORA Optime PSP plates were divided into 3 groups of 10. Group 1 was disinfected with 95% ethanol. Group 2 was disinfected using germicidal disposable wipes. Group 3 was disinfected with 95% ethanol, followed by hydrogen peroxide gas sterilization. Images of a quality assurance phantom were acquired on each plate before disinfection (baseline images). Disinfection and imaging cycles were repeated 45 times for each plate. Changes in image quality were assessed between baseline and final images. Image quality was evaluated for dynamic range, spatial resolution, and contrast perceptibility. The Fisher exact test was used to detect statistically significant differences among the 3 disinfection methods relative to decreases in image quality parameters between the baseline and final radiographs. Additionally, for each group, the Z-test was used to detect statistically significant decreases in image quality parameters between baseline and final images. The significance level was established at P <.05. Results: No statistically significant differences were detected among the disinfection groups or relative to baseline values for any group at a 5% significance level. Conclusions: Hydrogen peroxide gas may be considered to prevent cross-contamination while preserving image quality. Regular quality assurance testing is recommended to maintain image quality over time.