Principles of Radiographic Imaging 2

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Class
RADR 2305

This course covers radiographic image quality and the effects of exposure variables, and the synthesis of all variables in image production.

Course Learning Objectives

Analyze image quality; utilize procedures for minimizing patient exposure; and adapt technical variables to changing conditions.

At the completion of this course, the student will be able to demonstrate understanding of the following material:

  1. Factors affecting x-ray beam quality and quantity and their relationships.
  2. Differences in the production of the various x-ray interactions with matter.            
  3. The relationship between differential absorption and mass density.
  4. Factors that affect the production of scatter radiation.
  5. The function of grids as it relates to scatter radiation.
  6. The components associated with the production of the latent image.
  7. Construction and characteristics digital imaging receptors.
  8. Individual parts digital image reader.
  9. Factors affecting geometric quality on the image.

MINIMUM PERFORMANCE/LEARNING OBJECTIVES

SCANS OBJECTIVES: C 5-7, 15-20   F 4, 8-13, 17

Following the completion of the required material in this course of study, the student will be able to:

  1. Discuss, draw and/or label the construction, characteristics, appropriate use, radiographic quality effects, storage, handling and care, and patient dosage regarding:
    1. Radiographic CR/digital imaging plates/devices
    2.  Beam restricting devices
    3.  Grids
    4.  Filters
    5. Generator types
  2. Describe how each of the items listed in number 1 above can effect contrast resolution, gray scale (contrast), brightness (density), spatial resolution, (recorded detail), and patient dosage.
  3. Manipulate and calculate mA, time, kVp, mAs, distance, generator factor, focal spot and filtration and explain how and why each relates to radiographic contrast, density and recorded detail.
  4. Apply conversion factors for changes in the following areas: distance, grid, image receptors, reciprocity law and the 15 percent rule.
  5. Compare and construct fixed kVp, variable kVp and high kVp technique charts.
  6. Explain how automatic exposure control the exposure time and how these times are related to patient factors and positioning.

Cognitive Performance Objectives: Students will demonstrate their understanding of the material presented in lecture by successfully* performing the following tasks on section examinations:

A.  Identify the factors related to beam formation.

(C - I A,B,D, II B,C,D,F; F - 3A,B, 4A)

  1. Describe the electromagnetic spectrum.
  2. Explain the relationship of energy, wavelength and frequency.
  3. Identify the properties of x-rays.
  4. Describe radioactivity and radioactive decay in terms of alpha, beta and gamma emission.
  5. Compare the production of bremsstrahlung and characteristic radiations.
  6. Describe the conditions necessary to produce x-radiation.
  7. Compare generators in terms of radiation produced and efficiency.
  8. Describe the components and function of diagnostic x-ray tubes.
  9. Explain methods used to extend x-ray tube life.

B.  Evaluate the factors affecting x-ray beam quality and quantity and discuss their relationships.

(C - IA, B, C, D; II B, C, D, E, F; F - 3A, B, 4A)

    1. Graphically demonstrate the relationships between mA, time, kVp, distance, and exposure by placing either an "up" or "down" arrow next to a word equation.
    2. Interpret into words what specific formulas are expressing.
    3. Explain how beam filtration affects x-ray beam intensity, beam quality and patient exposure.
    4. Describe the change in the half-value layer (HVL) when filtration is added or removed.
    5. Apply the reciprocity law to clinical situations.

             

C.   Discuss the differences in the production of the various x-ray interactions with matter.

(C - I A,B,D, II B,C,D,F; F - 3A,B, 4A)

  1. Explain the processes of ionization and excitation.
  2. Discuss the clinical significance of the photoelectric and modified scattering (Compton) interactions in diagnostic imaging.
  3. Discuss various photon interactions with matter.
  4. Analyze the relationships of factors that control and affect image exposure as they relate to various tissue types.
  5. Illustrate the 5 types of x-ray interactions.

D.  Evaluate the relationship between differential absorption and mass/tissue density.

               (C - IA,B,D, II B,C,D,F; F - 3A,B, 4A)

  1. Assess radiographic exposure and contrast on radiographic images and relate it to atomic number and mass density.
  2. Identify statements that are not congruent with the principles stated in the lecture.
  3. Rank various body tissues and elements according to their properties of differential absorption.
  4. State the composition of exit radiation.
  5. Explain the processes leading to the formation of various shades of gray on an image.

E.  Describe the factors that affect the production of scatter radiation.

              (C - IA,B,D, II B,C,D,F; F - 3A,B, 4A)

  1. Successfully answer multiple choice questions on the production of scatter radiation as it applies to kVp, field size, and patient thickness.
  2. Identify devices/items that are used to minimize the production of scatter radiation.
  3. Give examples of radiographic procedures of which we use special means of scatter control and explain the purpose of each.
  4. Summarize the relationship of factors affecting scattered radiation.

E.  Discuss the function of grids as it relates to scatter radiation.

              (C - IA,B,C,D, II B,C,D,E,F; F - 3A,B, 4A)

  1. Identify the different parts of a grid on a diagram and give the function of each part.
  2. Calculate grid ratio, grid frequency, altered techniques and GCF from certain knowns.
  3. Interpret grid efficiency in terms of grid ratio and frequency.
  4. Analyze images and identify common grid errors.
  5. Summarize the factors that influence grid cutoff.
  6. Evaluate grid artifacts.

F.  Relate the function of digital image production to the formation of the latent image.

              (C - IA,B,C,D, II B,C,D,E,F; F - 3A,B, 4A)

  1. Outline the process of CR and DR latent image formation.
  2. Define terminology associated with digital imaging systems.
  3. Describe the various types of digital receptors (CR/DR).
  4. List the steps in all types of digital image formulation.
  5. Describe the response of digital detectors to exposure variations.
  6. Recognize the relationship between spatial resolution, DQE, and image formation.
  7. Define PACS and DICOM and discuss their importance in the imaging department.

G.  Understand the construction and characteristics of radiographic digital imaging receptors.

              (C - IA,B,D, II B,C,D,F; F - 3A,B, 4A)

  1. Identify the different layers of image receptors from diagrams and discuss the function of each layer.
  2. Illustrate and explain the process for digital image receptor exposure.
  3. Graphically demonstrate the relationships of CR/DR latitude, exposure, and spatial resolution by placing either an "up" or "down" arrow next to a word equation.
  4. Explain the special requirements for digital imaging receptors to ensure accurate processing.
  5. Define terms related to digital imaging receptors and processing.
  6. Discuss the relationship between spatial frequency and spatial resolution.

H.  Recognize the qualities related to digital image production.

              (C - I A, B, D; II B,C,D,F; F - 3A,B, 4A)

  1. Identify the individual parts of the digital image CR reader.
  2. Compare and contrast the processes of CR and DR image processing.
  3. Differentiate between ‘direct’ and ‘indirect’ in digital imaging.
  4. Analyze and identify digital and analog processing errors and artifacts.
  5. Discuss the importance of histogram selection to image quality.
  6. Define terms related to digital imaging.
  7. Describe modulation transfer function (MTF) as it relates to digital radiography detectors.
  8. Compare monitor types (e.g. acquisition, display).
  9. Describe the components of the various types of display monitors.

 I.  Discuss the factors affecting geometric quality on the image.

                           (C - I A, B, D, II B,C,D,F;  F - 3A,B, 4A)

  1. Describe the factors that affect recorded detail (photographic properties and geometric quality /recognizability).
  2. Identify images that are foreshortened or elongated.
  3. Calculate penumbra or unsharpness and magnification with given knowns.
  4. Give examples of radiographic procedures for which magnification/distortion is desirable.
  5. Differentiate between size and shape distortion.
  6. Perform calculations to determine image magnification and percent magnification.
  7. Summarize the relationship of factors that control and affect distortion.
Required Textbooks

Radiographic Imaging &Exposure 5th edition, Fauber, Terri 2016

Radiologic Science for Technologists, 11 ed., Bushong, S.

Radiologic Science for Technologists Workbook, Bushong, S.

Evaluation Standards

The student must earn a final average of 78% for successful completion of this course. Laboratory will count for 15% of the final course grade. Cognitive evaluation will be conducted by written examination.  The sectional written exams will consist of a variety of question types. There will be a comprehensive final exam covering all sections at the end of the semester.  At the end of the semester, grades will be in percentages and letter grades will be assigned. The laboratory portion of your grade will be based upon worksheet assignment completion, group work, and a final project. 

Unit Exams (6):             50%      (60%)  

Final Comprehensive Exam:    35%      (40%)             

Lab Assignments & Project:    15%     

Total:   100%

A = 91 – 100%

B = 84 – 90%

C = 78 – 83%

D = 74 – 77%

F = 0 – 73%

Students must have a passing grade (78%) in both lecture and lab individually in order to pass the course.

Demerits and Classroom Etiquette:

  • Your instructor reserves the right to make modifications in content and schedules as necessary to promote the best possible educational experience.
  • Cell phones are prohibited in class.  If a student’s cell phone goes off in class the student will be required to silence or turn the phone off unanswered. If there is an emergency, the student should notify the instructor ASAP.
  • Demerits may be given for unprofessional classroom conduct and includes the list in Student Handbook.
Absences

Students are strongly encouraged to attend all lecture and laboratory classes. It is the student’s responsibility to discuss any missed material with the instructor and schedule any necessary make-up time for lab assignments. Students who arrive between 1 (one) and 15 (fifteen) minutes after the start of class will receive a “T” tardy for that class period. An accumulation of 4 (four) tardies will constitute 1 (one) absence. Students who arrive more than 15 (fifteen) minutes late will be counted absent for that class. A maximum of four (4) absences are allowed per class. Any additional absences will result in a 10% reduction in the final grade for each additional absence.

Disabilities

ADA Statement:

Any student with a documented disability (e.g. learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) may contact the Office on the Weatherford College Weatherford Campus to request reasonable accommodations. Phone: 817-598-6350 Office Location: Office Number 118 in the Student Services Building, upper floor. Physical Address: Weatherford College 225 College Park Drive Weatherford, TX.

Academic Integrity
Academic Integrity is fundamental to the educational mission of Weatherford College, and the College expects its students to maintain high standards of personal and scholarly conduct. Academic dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on an examination or other academic work, plagiarism, collusion, and the abuse of resource materials including unauthorized use of Generative AI. Departments may adopt discipline specific guidelines on Generative AI usage approved by the instructional dean. Any student who is demonstrated to have engaged in any of these activities will be subject to immediate disciplinary action in accordance with institutional procedures.
Hope Statement
Any student who faces challenges securing basic resources such as food, clothing, or housing and believes this may affect their performance in their course of study is urged to contact the Director of Student Resources, Dr. Deborah Cregger, for support at (817) 598-6444. Her office is on the first floor of Student Services. If the student prefers, they may contact their instructor, who can reach out on their behalf. Weatherford College also provides the Coyote Pantry. The Pantry maintains boxed and canned foods for students in need. The location of the Coyote Pantry is two blocks west of the Weatherford campus at the Baptist Student Ministry (118 E. Park Ave., Weatherford). Pantry hours are Mon-Thurs. 8:30 am-4:30 pm and Fri. 8.30 am-12:00 pm (817-599-6586).