Quality of digital X-ray images after being shared through cross-platform applications

This article aims to assess spatial and contrast resolution of digital panoramic X-rays after being shared through various cross-platform applications. This is a cross-sectional, observational study with a quantitative design, in which 100 digital panoramic X-rays were assessed before and after being shared in standard quality, in high definition quality, and as a document through various platforms, namely e-mail (Gmail), Google Drive, and WhatsApp. The following imaging data were assessed: file size, X-ray image size in number of pixels, spatial resolution, mean gray value, standard deviation, and minimum and maximum histogram values. The variables width and height (in pixels), size in MB, spatial resolution, mean gray value, and standard deviation of the histogram showed statistical differences between the groups Pre-Sharing and WhatsApp in Standard Quality and Pre-Sharing and WhatsApp in HD Quality. The other variables assessed according to the sharing modalities did not show any difference with the group Pre-Sharing, or did not present any statistical differences. X-rays images sent via WhatsApp in Standard Quality and in HD Quality formats had their parameters reduced, thus affecting image quality. The platforms that preserved image data before and after being shared were Gmail, Google Drive and WhatsApp Document.