(DRL) The diagnostic reference level is a patient dose-related quantity per x-ray procedure or image. The diagnostic reference level is essentially a guide and the first step in the management of patient doses. Dose descriptors can also be used to compare local doses to national reference doses and reviews of local practice if consistently exceeded.

(DR) Digital radiography uses a special electronic x-ray detector, which converts the radiographic image into a digital picture for review on a computer monitor. The digital image is then stored and can be post processed by changing the magnification, orientation, brightness, and contrast. Digital radiography (also called direct radiography) is a progressive development of computed radiography (CR).
These advantages can lead to fewer 'recalls' (repeated x-ray images) including a lower radiation dose than analog or conventional radiography. DR and CR systems use no chemicals to process the x-ray images and the hazardous materials and waste associated with film development are eliminated.

Advantages of digital radiography compared with conventional radiography:

A display is a computer monitor that shows the processed data from the scanned area. Displays can be black-and-white or color, small or large depending upon the model and price of the machine.

See also Display Field of View, Display Matrix, Window Width, Bit Range, Hounsfield Scale, Interpolation, Minimum Intensity Projection, and Printer.

The dynamic range describes the range of x-ray intensities a detector can differentiate. A high dynamic range provides the discrimination between small differences in x-ray attenuation.
A current CT scanner has approximately a dynamic range of 1,000,000 to 1 and 1,100 views or projections a second.

The gantry aperture is the opening through which the table with the patient moves for the examination. Typical diameters of the gantry range from 50 to 85 cm. The gantry aperture diameters between 70 and 85 cm are useful for biopsy procedures and obese patients. Larger gantry apertures allow for easier handling of the biopsy equipment.
The scanning field of view in which the CT data are acquired is smaller than the gantry aperture diameter.