Radiographic Imaging

Radiography Theory

Materials Included

Text
Video
Anatomy
Quiz

This theory module teaches you the key concepts that underpin radiographic imaging such as scatter radiation, exposure, and field size, and the tools and techniques available to create high-quality X-ray images. It covers important foundational knowledge that is required in order to perform radiographic procedures accurately and manage the factors that affect X-ray image quality. If you are studying for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists® (ARRT) registry exams, this module is an ideal resource.

You’ll learn

how scatter radiation affects image contrast and how to control scatter
how to apply radiographic grids to a clinical situation
the role of exposure factors in radiographic images
how to identify and manage the various factors that can affect image quality, including film, geometric and subject factors
much more (see “content details” for more specific information)

Introduction

Step 1 - Beam-restricting devices

Step 1.1 - Scatter radiation

Step 1.1.1 - Kilovoltage (kV)

Step 1.1.2 - Field size

Step 1.1.3 - Patient thickness

Step 1.2 - Control of scatter

Step 1.2.1 - Effect of scatter on image contrast

Step 1.2.2 - Beam restrictors

Step 2 - Radiographic grids

Step 2.1 - Grids

Step 2.1.1 - Grid ratio

Step 2.1.2 - Grid frequency

Step 2.1.3 - Grid strip

Step 2.2 - Grid performance

Step 2.2.1 - Contrast improvement factor (<em>k</em>)

Step 2.2.2 - Bucky factor (B)

Step 2.3 - Grid types

Step 2.4 - Grid problems

Step 2.4.1 - Off-center grid (lateral decentering)

Step 2.4.2 - Off-level grid

Step 2.4.3 - Off-focus grid

Step 2.4.4 - Upside-down grid

Step 2.5 - Grid selection

Step 2.5.1 - Patient dose

Step 2.6 - Air-gap technique

Step 3 - Radiographic exposure

Step 3.1 - Kilovoltage (kV)

Step 3.2 - Milliampere (mA)

Step 3.3 - Exposure time

Step 3.4 - Distance

Step 3.5 - Imaging system characteristics

Step 3.5.1 - Focal-spot size

Step 3.5.2 - Filtration

Step 3.5.3 - High-voltage generation

Step 4 - Image quality

Step 4.1 - Definitions

Step 4.1.1 - Radiographic quality

Step 4.1.2 - Resolution

Step 4.1.3 - Noise

Step 4.1.4 - Speed

Step 4.2 - Film factors

Step 4.2.1 - Characteristic curve

Step 4.2.2 - Optical density (OD)

Step 4.2.3 - Film processing

Step 4.3 - Geometric factors

Step 4.3.1 - Magnification

Step 4.3.2 - Distortion

Step 4.3.3 - Focal spot blur

Step 4.3.4 - Heel effect

Step 4.4 - Subject factors

Step 4.4.1 - Subject contrast

Step 4.4.2 - Motion blur

Step 4.5 - Tools for improving radiographic quality

Step 4.5.1 - Patient position

Step 4.5.2 - Image receptors

Step 4.5.3 - Selection of technique factors

Step 5 - Radiographic technique

Step 5.1 - Patient factors

Step 5.1.1 - Thickness

Step 5.1.2 - Composition

Step 5.1.3 - Pathology

Step 5.2 - Image quality factors

Step 5.2.1 - Optical density (OD)

Step 5.2.2 - Contrast

Step 5.2.3 - Detail

Step 5.2.4 - Distortion

Step 5.3 - Exposure technique factors

Step 5.4 - Automatic exposure control (phototimer)

Understand the production and control of scatter radiation and its effect on image contrast
Describe the construction and performance characteristics of grids and apply this knowledge to the correct clinical situation
Understand and discuss the relationship of factors that may influence x-ray quantity and quality
Understand the purpose and construction, and explain the use, of the three types of technique charts
Apply knowledge of the three major interrelated categories of radiographic quality
Discuss the tools and techniques available to create high-quality images
Identify and discuss the three categories of radiographic artifacts and explain their causes

The SIMTICS modules are all easy to use and web-based. This means they are available at any time as long as the learner has an internet connection. No special hardware or other equipment is required, other than a computer mouse for use in the simulations. Each of the SIMTICS modules covers one specific procedure or topic in detail. Each module contains:

an online simulation (available in Learn and Test modes)
descriptive text, which explains exactly how to perform that particular procedure including key terms and hyperlinks to references
2D images and a 3D model of applied anatomy for that particular topic
a step by step video demonstration by an expert
a quiz
a personal logbook that keeps track of all the modules the learner has studied and how long