What are digital detectors used for in digital mammograms?

Digital detectors play a crucial role in digital mammography by converting X-ray signals into images. When an X-ray beam passes through the breast tissue, it is absorbed to varying degrees based on the density of the tissue. The digital detector captures these differences in absorption and converts the X-ray signals into a digital image that can be processed, analyzed, and stored electronically. This allows for improved image quality and facilitates more accurate detection of abnormalities in breast tissue.

The other options do not accurately describe the primary function of digital detectors in this context. For instance, while patient data management and monitoring radiation levels are important components of the overall mammography process, they do not pertain specifically to the role of digital detectors in image creation. Similarly, patient positioning is a critical aspect of ensuring optimal imaging but is not related to the function of the detector itself. Thus, the ability of digital detectors to transform X-ray signals into detailed images is the defining feature that makes them essential in digital mammography.