In-vivo quantification of natural incipient caries lesions using the quantitative light-induced fluoroscence method: a reproducibility study

A new method for detection and quantification of natural incipient caries lesions, the Quantitative Light-induced Fluorescence method (QLF), has recently been developed. The aim of this study was to test the repeatability and reproducibility of the analytical part of the method. In vivo captured images (CCD-video camera, Panasonic WV-KS 152, with an argon ion laser as light source) of 15 different incipient caries lesions on smooth surfaces were analyzed by three analysts. The images were analyzed three times in a randomized order, twice for the first reconstructed area (P1A1 and P1A2), and then once for a second one (P2A1). Three parameters were measured, lesion area (mm2), average change in fluorescence (%), and maximum change in fluorescence (%) in the lesion. Repeated measures ANOVA were used to calculate the intra-, and inter-examiner reliability. Intra-examiner reliability for all three analysts showed an intra-class correlation coefficient, R, between 0.93 and 0.99 (for the analyses with the first patch, P1A1 and P1A2, as well as between the first and the second patch, P1A1 and P2A1). Inter-examiner reliability showed an inter-class correlation coefficient, R, between 0.95 and 0.99 (for analyses P1A1, P1A2 and P2A1). It was concluded that the Quantitative Light- induced fluorescence method showed excellent repeatability and reproducibility concerning the analytical part of the method.