At RSNA next week, Barco will emphasize the importance of color calibration in ensuring accurate diagnosis of medical images by sharing results of its recent research on the topic. Tom Kimpe, PhD and vice president of technology and innovation for Barco Healthcare, will present Barco’s findings in a paper entitled “Are Medical Displays Calibrated to GSDF or sRGB Sufficient for High Quality Visualization of Color Medical Images?” at RSNA 2014 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois on December 1.

Boosting the accuracy of color medical images
Despite the increased of color in medical images to display clinically relevant information depicting fused, multi-modality or quantitative imaging, there is no official standard of how color medical images must be visualized. Dr. Kimpe proposes that a new standard, such as the DICOM GSDF (Grayscale Standard Display Function) established for grayscale displays, is urgently needed to ensure accurate interpretation. Currently, color medical displays are calibrated to the GSDF or clinicians utilize consumer-level displays that approximate the sRGB standard.

Toward a new calibration standard
“Visual differences between the calibration targets were large and easily perceivable on medical images, with color behavior between the same type of display systems varying by double-digit percentages,” comments Dr. Kimpe. “This clearly demonstrates that a higher standard of color calibration is needed specifically for color medical images to achieve a high level of accuracy.”

Dr. Kimpe will present on this topic on Monday, December 1 from 3:30pm – 3:40pm in Room S402AB, SSE13-04, at RSNA. Barco will also be exhibiting at the show in South Hall A, Booth #2706 from November 30-December 4.