Comparison between Semi-Automated and Manual Methodologies for MTF Determination in a Digital Radiography System
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29384/rbfm.2026.v20.19849001884Keywords:
Digital Radiology, Spatial Resolution, Quality Control, MTFAbstract
Spatial resolution, although commonly assessed qualitatively, can be quantified by determining the system's Modulation Transfer Function (MTF). The literature is extensive regarding methods for determining MTF in digital radiology equipment. Among the methodologies, there are semi-automatic methods, which require image analysis by dedicated software, and manual methods, which require the operator to position regions of interest (ROIs). In this study, three MTF measurement methods discussed in the literature – two semi-automatic and one manual – were compared using the RQA 5 beam quality of a Konica Altus DR digital radiology system in a large hospital. The semi-automatic methods showed strong agreement with each other, with variations between 0.01 and 5.49 MTF units (%), while the manual method showed greater divergence from the other two, varying between 0.04 and 6.14 MTF units (%), depending on the fine or broad focus. It is concluded that semi-automatic methods are advantageous in terms of reproducibility and efficiency when compared to the manual method. It is the medical physicist's responsibility to weigh the applicability of each methodology within the reality of their institution.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Jonas Nanni Menino, Tulio Guilherme Soares Marques, Raissa Alexia Camargo Guassu, Daniel Molena Seraphim, Diana Rodrigues de Pina
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