| Eggertssonn H, Ferreira-Zandoná A, Ando M, González-Cabezas C, Martinez-Mier EA, Waskow JR, Eckert GJ,Zero DT (2003) Clinical Repeatability of QLF using Multiple Examiners. J Dent Res. 82 |
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Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical repeatability of the QLF method, examining the repeatability of the imaging technique among and between examiners. Methods: Following a training session in vitro, six examiners were trained in taking QLF images on 8 subjects. For the repeatability study, images were taken of white and/or brown spot, non-cavitated lesions in 29 subjects. A maximum of six lesions per subject were imaged, with a total number of lesions being 145. Eight subjects were imaged a second time, without the use of any repositioning program. The data was analyzed for agreement using ICC, both within and between examiners, by comparing analysis results of delta Q (dQ), delta F (dF) and area at a 5% threshold for the lesions. Results: Intra-examiner agreement ranged from 0.95 to 0.98 for dQ; 0.95 to 0.98 for dF, and 0.90 to 0.97 for area, respectively. Inter-examiner agreement overall was 0.97, 0.96 and 0.94 for the three parameters respectively. Variation of dQ was similar between examiners for upper and lower teeth (0.99 and 0.97), occlusal vs. smooth surfaces (0.96 and 0.95), and across tooth type (anterior 0.98, premolar 0.99, molar 0.97), except for buccal pits on lower first molars (0.84) and canines (0.83). Similar pattern was seen in intra-examiner repeatability. Conclusions: Intra-examiner repeatability and inter-examiner agreement was excellent, as evidenced by the high ICC´s. The canines and buccal pits appeared to be the most difficult sites in which to achieve good repeatability. |