RADT 1075 Syllabus

Subject Code

RADT

Course Number

1075

Course Title

Radiographic Imaging

Prerequisites

RADT 1010 with a grade of C or higher, RADT 1030 with a grade of C or higher, RADT 1060 with a grade of C or higher, RADT 1065 with a grade of C or higher

Corequisites

RADT 1200, RADT 1320, RADT 2090

Terms Offered

Credit Hours

Course Description

This course introduces factors that govern and influence the production of the radiographic image using digital radiographic equipment found in diagnostic radiology. Emphasis will be placed on knowledge and techniques required to produce high quality diagnostic radiographic images. Topics include image quality (radiographic IR exposure, gray scale; spatial resolution; distortion; grids; image receptors and holders; processing considerations; image acquisition; image analysis; image artifacts; and guidelines for selecting exposure factors and evaluating images within a digital system. Laboratory experiences will demonstrate applications of theoretical principles and concepts.

 

Course Outcomes

Principles of Imaging and Image Quality

  • Discuss practical considerations in settling standards for acceptable image quality.
  • Describe film screen characteristics of density, contrast, recorded detail and distortion..
  • Identify and analyze the relationships of factors that control and affect radiographic density.
  • identify and analyze the relationship of factors that control and affect radiographic contrast.
  • Identify and analyze the relationships of factors that control and affect recorded detail and visibility of detail.
  • Identify and analyze the relationship of factors that control and affect distortion.
  • Differentiate between size and shape distortion.
  • Perform calculations to determine image magnification and percent magnification.
  • Summarize the relationship of factors affecting exposure latitude and film latitude.
  • Apply conversion factors for changes in the following areas: distance (inverse square law), grid, image receptor speed class, mAs reciprocity, density maintenance, and the 15 percent rule.
  • Describe the basic principles of digital radiography and the terminology associated with digital imaging systems.
  • Define digital imaging characteristics of receptor exposure, contrast, spatial resolution an distortion.
  • Describe digital imaging characteristics related to spatial resolution to include pixel size, matrix size, bit depth, contrast resolution, sampling frequency, and DEL size.
  • Describe digital imaging characteristics related to image signal, to include dynamic range, quantum mottle (noise), signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio.
  • Define window level and window width and how they translate into displayed image brightness and gray scale.
  • Define scattered/secondary radiation and the effects of scattered radiation on the image.
  • Identify and compare grid types and identify the most appropriate grid for a given clinical situation.
  • Interpret grid efficiency in terms of grid ratio and frequency.
  • Compare short dimension vs. long dimension grids.
  • Define grid cut off, summarize factors affecting grid cut off, land describe the various grid artifacts.

Criteria for Image Evaluation

  • Identify the criteria for image evaluation.
  • Apply problem-solving process for evaluating images for adequate density/brightness, contrast, recorded detail/spatial resolution and acceptable limits of distortion.
  • Identify factors relating to image identification and documentation of ordered exam(s).
  • Evaluate images to determine the appropriate use of beam restriction.
  • Identify common equipment malfunctions that affect image quality, and corrective action.
  • Differentiate between technical factor problems, procedural factor problems and equipment malfunctions.
  • Identify causes of film screen image fog (film age, chemical, radiation, temperature safelight).
  • Critique images for appropriate technical, procedural and pathologic factors, and employ corrective actions if necessary.

Images Acquisition and Processing (Analog and Digital)

  • Explain film-screen latent image formation.
  • Describe film-screen processing and film storage.
  • Discuss the steps of the processing cycle (develop, fix, wash, dry) and effects on image quality.
  • Identify the purpose of a daily quality control program for processors.
  • Identify types and causes of film screen image artifacts.
  • Describe the various types of digital receptors (Computed Radiography and Digital Radiography, including direct digital and indirect digital capture).
  • Discuss the fundamentals of digital radiography, distinguishing between cassette-based systems and cassette-less systems.
  • Compare the image acquisition and extraction of cassette-based vs. cassette-less systems, including detector mechanism, initial image processing, histogram analysis, automatic rescaling, look up tables and exposure index determination.
  • Compare detector properties and evaluation criteria such as DQE (detective quantum efficiency), exposure index, and spatial resolution.
  • Describe digital receptors, to include: Amorphous selenium/Thin Film transistor (TFT) arrays, Cesium iodide/amorphous silicon thin film transistor (TFT) arrays, Charged coupled device (CCD) and complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) systems and Photostimulable phosphor (PSP) plates.
  • Compare the advantages and limits of each digital system.
  • Describe the response of digital detectors to exposure variations.
  • Compare dynamic range to latitude of a screen/film receptor system to that of a digital radiography system.
  • Describe the response of PSP systems to background and scatter radiation.
  • Identify grid use errors associated with grid cut off and Moire effect.
  • Identify common limitations and technical problems encountered when using PSP systems.
  • Employ appropriate beam/part/receptor alignment to avoid histogram analysis. errors.
  • Describe the selection of technical factors and technical factor systems to assure appropriate receptor exposure levels for digital detectors.
  • Describe the conditions that cause quantum motile in a digital image.
  • Formulate a procedure or process to minimize histogram analysis and rescaling errors.
  • Describe the histogram and the process of histogram analysis as it relates to automatic rescaling and determining an exposure indicator.
  • Relate the receptor exposure indicator values to technical factors, system calibration, part/beam/plate alignment and patient exposure.

Exposure Indicator Determination

  • Describe the difference between dose area product (DAP) measured with a flat panel system vs. the vendor specific exposure indicators for a PSP-based system.
  • Identify optimal value ranges for exposure indicators and relationship to patient exposure.
  • Describe the exposure precautions and limitations associated with PSP-based systems.
  • Examine the potential impact of digital radiographic systems on patient exposure and methods of practicing the as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) concept with digital systems.

Analog vs. Digital Imaging Systems

  • Describe the components of Picture Archival and Communications System (PACS) and its function.
  • Identify modality types that may be incorporated into a PACS.
  • Describe the components of the PACS, RIS, HIS, and the DICOM standard.
  • Describe data flow for a DICOM image from an imaging modality to a PACS.
  • Identify common problems associated with retrieving/viewing images within a PACS.
  • Identify the primary uses of the diagnostic display workstation and clinical display workstation.
  • Describe patient benefits gained through the use of teleradiology.
  • Describe HIPAA concerns with electronic information.
  • Discuss and define digital image processing, to include equalization, smoothing, electronic masking, edge enhancement, and grayscale (bit depth, look up table - LUT).