Viewing Images in Slab Mode

Volumetric image dataset can shown as single slices or as a slab in which the maximum, minimum, or average values within a slab thickness are displayed. These types of images can improve interpretation accuracy and decrease review time.

Slice view (on left) and MIP (on right)

Slab modes

	Description
MIP	Maximum intensity projection… Displays data using only the highest values for each voxel of the volume and the thickness value for slice integration.
mIP	Minimum intensity projection… Displays data using only the lowest values for each voxel of the volume and the thickness value for slice integration. This slab mode is particularly useful when looking at air or fluid in mini-slabs.
Average	Average intensity projection… Displays data using the average values for all voxels in the volume and the thickness value for slice integration. This setting can be useful for viewing projections of noisy images, or for simulating a slice thickness other than what was scanned.

You can adjust the window leveling values of intensity projections, as well as use Walk mode or the 3D cursor to create oblique views of slabs.

1. Select the required 2D view.
2. Choose a View mode— Slab MIP, Slab mIP, or, Slab average — in the Scene's Views Properties panel.

   

   The view appears in the selected slab mode in the default slab thickness.

3. Do one of the following:
   • Right-click inside the view in Slab mode and then choose Set Slab Thickness in the pop-up menu. You can then enter the required slab thickness in the Enter a New Slab Thickness dialog, as shown below.

     

   • Adjust the thickness of the slab rendering by dragging the dotted lines of the slab thickness markers shown in the other MPR scene views of the dataset.

     

     Note Whenever you generate an image that is made from a mini-slab cut from the data, such as a maximum intensity projection (MIP), you can scroll through the whole dataset or set the Cine increment to Half slab or Full slab. These settings are available in the 2D Settings preferences (see Selecting the 2D Settings Preferences).