Maintenance Protocols and Artifact Management in CR Imaging Plates
The durability of Computed Radiography plates is high, but they are susceptible to unique "digital artifacts" that can mimic pathology or degrade image quality. Because the plates are reusable, physical wear and tear is a constant concern.
Common artifacts include Dust and Debris, where small particles inside the reader or on the plate block the laser, creating white "pinholes" on the image. Mechanical Scratches on the phosphor layer can appear as linear streaks. Another common issue is Backscatter Radiation, which can penetrate the back of the cassette and create a "ghost image" or a "grid-line" effect. To mitigate these, 2026 clinical standards require daily "erasure cycles" for any plate not used within 24 hours (to clear background cosmic radiation) and monthly deep cleaning of the internal phosphor surfaces using approved anhydrous solutions. Proper plate maintenance is essential for preventing the "halo effect" or "aliasing" that can lead to diagnostic errors.