Image Production:

Factors Affecting Radiographic Quality

Ashley Long, M.A., CHES, R.T.(R)(CT)(ARRT)

2.0 Credit

Category A

This course will be helpful in fulfilling structured education and CQR credits

Course Description

This course focuses on factors affecting radiographic image quality in medical imaging. It covers both photographic properties (visibility of recorded detail) and geometric properties (sharpness of recorded detail) that contribute to overall image quality. The presentation discusses key concepts such as Image Receptor (IR) exposure, contrast, spatial resolution, and distortion. It delves into the effects of various technical factors like mAs, kVp, distance, collimation, and atomic part thickness on image quality. This presentation also explains the use and impact of grids in reducing scatter radiation, as well as different types of grid errors. Additionally, it touches on the differences between film-screen and digital imaging systems, and how to adjust techniques to maintain optimal image quality while minimizing patient radiation exposure.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the audience will be able to:

Recognize the primary factors and influencing factors that affect the photographic and geometric properties of a radiograph
Discuss how the primary and influencing factors of the photographic and geometric properties will affect radiographic image quality
Perform various Image Production mathematic formulas and discuss how they affect image quality
Describe the fundamentals of a grid, how they are constructed, and how they affect scatter radiation reaching the image receptor
Analyze the various types of grid errors, their radiographic characteristics, and how to prevent their occurrence

Course Details

Completion Time: 125 minutes
Course Published: 10/2024
Course Expires: 11/1/2027 at 12:01 am CDT

Speaker Bio

Ashley Long, M.A., CHES, R.T.(R)(CT)(ARRT)

My name is Ashley Long, and I am currently a senior instructor for the Department of Radiologic Sciences at the University of South Alabama (USA) in Mobile, Alabama. Prior to my employment with USA, I was a radiologic sciences instructor for DCH School of Radiologic Technology in Tuscaloosa Alabama for 14 years and was a staff diagnostic, Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Bone Density technologist 8 years prior to my teaching career. I obtained my Bachelor’s of Radiologic Sciences through Florida Hospital of Health Sciences in Orlando, Florida and also have a master’s degree from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa Alabama in health education, along with my Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) certification. I have always loved the field of radiology and decided to pursue this career field in the 5th grade. Many years later, I am so happy I did, and hope to instill my love of radiology into my radiology students for years to come.