Considering the subtle findings observed in mammography images, it is relevant to know how detectability of fibers and microcalcifications can be influenced by the luminance of the viewing boxes. Our goal was to determine the influence of the luminance on the detectability of tiny simulated objects. We obtained seven images with different exposure levels using a phantom that allows statistical analysis. The results were computed using a five point scale to report the confidence levels (100 if the evaluator was sure that the object is present; 75 if likely; 50 if uncertain; 25 if not likely; zero if definitely absent). The images were analyzed by specialists using a "standard" and a specific viewing box for mammography. The detectability was compared using the Pearson chi-square test (p < 0.05). The values varied from 0.79 to 0.87. We concluded that the detectability determined from simulated objects through readings on the specific viewing boxes is higher when compared with the readings using standard viewing boxes.

Keywords: View box, Quality control, Mammography, Luminance, Illuminators, Fluorescent tube