Timing of interpretation not an issue for reading accuracy

In this scientific paper presentation, researchers from teleradiology services provider Virtual Radiologic of Eden Prairie, MN, will take a look at whether interpretation accuracy varies depending on whether it's early or late in a radiologist's shift.

Because radiologist fatigue has been cited as a possible negative factor in reading accuracy, a study team from Virtual Radiologic tested the theory by evaluating the discrepancy incidence rate of a random sample of 19 radiologists in 2009. The radiologists all worked the overnight shift and provided preliminary emergent interpretations.

Measuring the rate of discrepancy (with the final interpretation by the local radiologist) at both early and late times in the shift, the researchers found that the timing of the reads did not negatively affect interpretation accuracy.