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Phosphor plates and PSP scanner

Also called: PSP, phosphor storage plates, imaging plates, plate scanner

Thin, flexible plates that store an x-ray image until a scanner reads it.

PSP (photostimulable phosphor) plates are thin, flexible plates that look a bit like film. After exposure, the plate goes into a scanner that reads the image with a laser and sends it to the computer. Light erases the image, so plates must be handled quickly and kept covered.

How to spot it

  • Thin blue or gray plates in light-proof barrier envelopes, and a desktop scanner with a slot.

What it is used for

  • Place each plate in a barrier envelope, expose, then remove the envelope without touching the plate with contaminated gloves.
  • Scan soon after exposure; the scanner erases the plate for reuse.

Safety and care

  • Bent or scratched plates leave marks on the image; store them flat.
  • Clean and disinfect plates and the scanner area as the manufacturer directs; barrier envelopes are single-use.

Related

Sources: Iannucci JM, Howerton LJ. Dental Radiography: Principles and Techniques, 6th ed. Elsevier, 2022, CDC. Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003. MMWR 2003;52(RR-17)