What effect does an improper calibration of a detector cause?

Improper calibration of a detector primarily leads to artifacts and inconsistencies in sensitivity. When a detector is not correctly calibrated, it can cause variations in how different areas of the image are captured, resulting in areas that might be overly bright or dark. This inconsistency compromises the overall image quality and can introduce artifacts, such as lines or spots, that do not represent the actual anatomy being examined.

Artifacts might manifest in various forms, depending on the specifics of the calibration issues. For instance, a detector that is miscalibrated might not respond uniformly to exposure, leading to uneven responses to the radiation, which can significantly affect diagnostic interpretation. Consequently, ensuring proper calibration is vital for achieving accurate and reliable imaging in fluoroscopy.