Equipment and physics of x-ray production, includes basic x-ray circuits. Also examines the relationship of conventional and digital equipment components to the imaging process.
Differentiate between conventional and digital equipment; explain the physics of x-ray production; describe x-ray circuits; and relate conventional and digital equipment components to the imaging process.
At the completion of this course, the student will be able to demonstrate understanding of the following material:
A. Imaging factors used in deriving a radiographic technique.
B. CT imaging concepts, systems, and the various scanning quality characteristics.
C. Unique features of mammographic imaging and quality control.
D. Physics involved in a fluoroscopic imaging system
E. Interventional equipment and patient radiation safety applied in sterile procedures.
F. Digital imaging systems and their imaging characteristics.
G. Regulatory quality control procedures in the radiology department.
H. Image artifacts and their causes.
Student Learning Objectives: (Cognitive)
A. Imaging factors used in deriving a radiographic technique. (F- I A,B, II B,D,F, III C,D, C- 2 A,E, 4A, 5A)
1. Evaluate images on the four factors affecting radiographic technique.
2. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the 3 types of technique charts.
3. Differentiate between the 3 types of automatic exposure controls.
4. Describe the practice of magnification radiography and its use.
B. CT imaging concepts, systems, and the various scanning quality characteristics. (F- I A,B, II F, C- 4A, 5A)
1. Discuss the concepts of transverse tomography, translation, and reconstruction.
2. Explain the CT system imaging components and their function.
3. Discuss spatial resolution, contrast resolution, noise, linearity & uniformity in CT.
4. Describe window width/level, pixels/matrix resolution relationships and bit depth.
C. Unique features of mammographic imaging and quality control. (F- I A,B, II B,C,D,F, C- 4A,5A)
1. Discuss the difference between soft tissue and conventional radiography.
2. Explain the purpose of the unique features of a mammographic imaging system.
3. Describe the image receptors used and spatial resolution obtained in mammography.
4. Itemize the weekly, monthly, & annual quality control duties of the mammographer.
5. List the required standards for mammography processor quality control.
D. Physics involved in an analog fluoroscopic imaging system. (F- I A,B, II D,F, C- 4A,5A)
1. Discuss the historical development of fluoroscopy.
2. Organize/rank the steps and equipment involved in the production of the fluoro image.
3. List the approximate kVp and mAs levels for common fluoroscopic examinations.
E. Interventional equipment / patient radiation safety applied in sterile procedures. (F- I A,B, II B, C- 4A,5A)
1. Describe the special equipment in the interventional suite and its use.
2. Identify different subtraction techniques from radiographic images.
3. List the patient safety equipment in the interventional suite.
4. Explain radiation protection procedures used in interventional radiography
F. Digital imaging systems and their imaging characteristics. (F- I A,B, II B,D,F, C- 2A,E, 4A, 5A)
1. Explain the characteristics of digital image radiographic quality.
2. Discuss the components and their use in a digital (CR/DR) radiography system.
3. Explain PACS delivery / storage systems.
4. Compare and contrast the parts of a digital fluoroscopy system with conventional radiography.
5. List the procedures for temporal subtraction & energy subtraction.
6. Explain the structure, function, and difference between CCD's and TFT's.
G. Regulatory quality control procedures in the radiology department. (F- I A,B, II B,C, C- 4A,B, 5A,B,C)
1. Name the 3 steps of quality control.
2. Describe the quality control tests for fluoroscopy.
3. Define quality assurance, quality control, and department performance improvement.
4. List the quality control tests for diagnostic radiography; their standards, and purpose.
H. Image artifacts and their causes. (F- I A,B, II B,C,D,F C- 1C, 3A,4A,B,5A,B,C)
1. List and discuss the 3 categories of image artifacts.
2. Identify and categorize artifacts seen on digital images.
3. Identify and categorize artifacts seen on conventional radiographic images.
4. Analyze radiographic images for artifacts and their causes.
Radiologic Science for Technologists, Bushong, 11th Edition
Radiologic Science for Technologists Workbook, Bushong, 11th Edition
Radiographic Imaging &Exposure 5th edition, Fauber, Terri 2016
Producing Quality Radiographs, Cullinan
Christensen's Physics of Diagnostic Radiology, Curry, Dowdey, and Murry
Principles of Radiographic Imaging – An Art and a Science, 3rd edition, Carlton, Adler
Total semester grade will be in percentages and will include 5 written examinations, a research project and presentation, and 2 quizzes. Only 1 make-up exam will be allowed during the semester, and it must be taken immediately upon return to class. The make-up test will begin with a score of 90. Subsequent missed exams will result in a point score of 0 (zero).
Sectional Written Exams (5), 2 Quizzes (1 exam grade), Research Project (1 exam grade)
Exams (7 total grades) 65%
Comprehensive Final Exam 30%
Assignments 5%
Total 100%
A = 91 – 100%
B = 84 – 90%
C = 78 – 83%
D = 74 – 77%
F = 0 – 73%
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, but is not limited to, the list in Student Handbook.
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.
Lecture, work groups, audio/visual media, handouts, & projects
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.
This course continues the program’s attention to the Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) for the workforce. The 3 Foundation skills are labeled with Roman numerals and alpha item signifiers. The 5 Competencies are labeled 1 – 5, with alpha item signifiers (see attachment).