Teleradiology: an assessment

Article Abstract:

Teleradiology is the technology by which X-rays or other radiographic images can be taken at one place and transmitted immediately to another place. Images are scanned by laser and the information obtained is converted into digital information that can be transmitted, processed, and reconverted back into useful images by computer and communications systems. This technique can be particularly useful for quick diagnosis in emergencies and in areas that are far from a major medical center. It also improves the accuracy of diagnoses by increasing consultations among experts. The immediate availability of radiographic information can hasten treatment and improve prognoses. The successful use of teleradiology in the clinical setting depends upon a number of factors. These include improving the technology itself, acquiring and improving computer technology and communication systems, including other imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and a increasing the general acceptance of teleradiology in the clinical setting. A teleradiology system requires specific equipment, including a laser film digitizer to transform the image into digital bits which can be used and sent by a computer. In addition, a laser film printer is needed to produce an image from the laser digitization. The major problem in developing teleradiology systems is that the necessary equipment is very expensive. The future of this technology depends on the balance that is struck between the costs of the system and the benefits derived from using it. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Research, Innovations, Equipment and supplies, Telecommunications systems, Medical technology, Radiology, Medical, Radiology, editorial

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Two-compartment, two-sample technique for accurate estimation of effective renal plasma flow: theoretical development and comparison with other methods

Article Abstract:

The limitations of taking one plasma sample from a single compartment of the patient's kidney for evaluation of effective renal plasma flow (EFPF) as opposed to a two-sample technique in which a single sample is taken from each of the two compartments of a patient's kidney was determined. A mathematical analysis of a hypothetical single plasma sampling technique was used to predict ERPF on the basis of its correlation with plasma iodohippurate concentration. The simplicity of ERPF estimation obtained with a single-sample technique is not without drawbacks. Both absolute and relative errors will occur within a patient over time if changes in renal function cause associated changes in plasma volume. Researchers caution that any simplified technique for estimation of ERPF will be subject to unavoidable errors because of the large number of variables that define the physiologic behavior of iodohippurate. Greater accuracy could be achieved if the basic clinical condition of the patient were known and factored into the ERPF equation. A two-sample technique is more reliable than a single-sample ERPF technique. The two-sample technique improved accuracy, particularly in patients with abnormalities.

Methods, Models, Physiological aspects, Kidneys, Kidney, Radionuclide imaging, Regional blood flow, Radioisotope scanning

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