What distinguishes direct radiography from indirect radiography?

Direct radiography is characterized by its ability to capture X-ray images directly onto a digital sensor without the intermediate step of using film, which is a hallmark of indirect radiography. This process involves a flat-panel detector that converts X-ray photons into an electrical signal, producing an image almost instantaneously. The direct conversion allows for greater efficiency and speed in image acquisition, resulting in timely diagnostics.

In contrast, indirect radiography typically uses a two-step process where X-rays first interact with a scintillator (often a phosphor) that converts the radiation into visible light, which is then captured by a digital sensor. This indirect method may lead to some loss of detail and does not achieve the same immediate image production as direct radiography.

The expected advantages of direct versus indirect radiography also include potentially improved image quality, but the defining feature remains in the direct capture onto the sensor itself, eliminating the film intermediary.