What is medical calibration?

Medical calibration refers to the process of adjusting the accuracy of a medical display in line with regulatory standards. Medical calibration is essential to ensure the quality of a medical display over time and to ensure images are perceived the same way across displays. It is also required to obtain the necessary medical certifications.

DICOM calibration

The most used standard for calibration of medical displays is the DICOM GSDF standard. This medical standard defines how grayscale radiology images should be displayed and provides guidelines for display calibration and quality assurance. DICOM currently only relates to grayscale medical images. However, a standard for display of color medical images is being developed.

Automation of calibration

As a result of hospital consolidation, meaning one hospital can cover multiple sites in multiple regions, automation of medical calibration is preferred. Medical display manufacturers offer displays with software that automates compliance with regional standards. It means calibration of an entire medical display fleet can be done from one central location, which saves valuable time for PACS and QA administrators who are responsible for the quality (QA) of the medical workstations in a hospital.

Conclusion

Devices that are used in a healthcare environment need to comply with stringent regulations. Medical calibration refers to the process of calibrating medical devices, such as radiology displays, to a specific medical standard to ensure their accuracy. 

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