10-526-195Radiographic Image Analysis
Course Information
Description
Prepares radiography students to analyze radiographic images for quality. Students apply quality control tests to determine the causes of image problems including equipment malfunctions and procedural errors.
Total Credits
2
Course Competencies
  1. Summarize the steps in the decision-making process used in image analysis
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, written, graphic and/or skill assessment
    Criteria
    summary identifies the key steps in the decision-making process used in image analysis
    summary lists the steps in the correct order
    summary describes the desired result for each step in the decision-making process

  2. Apply the process for evaluating images
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, written, graphic and/or skill assessment
    Criteria
    you follow an established process for evaluating images
    you use appropriate equipment when conducting the evaluation
    you document your findings
    you justify your conclusions
    evaluation determines if the image exhibits adequate IR exposure
    evaluation determines if the image exhibits adequate contrast
    evaluation determines if the image contains an adequate level of spatial resolution
    evaluation determines if the image falls within acceptable limits of distortion
    evaluation determines if the image contains adequate beam restriction
    evaluation determines if the image exhibits appropriate identification markers
    you make required adjustments to bring image into acceptable limits

  3. Summarize the standards for acceptable image quality
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, written, graphic and/or skill assessment
    Criteria
    you identify the purpose of the standards
    you describe the role of the radiographer in establishing imaging standards
    you define a process for establishing and maintaining image standards in the department

  4. Analyze image artifacts
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, written, graphic and/or skill assessment
    Criteria
    you identify the artifact(s) on the recorded image
    you determine where in the image chain the artifact occurred
    you classify types of artifacts
    you determine the cause of the artifact(s)
    you recognize the effects of artifacts on images
    you identify and suggest corrective and preventive measures

  5. Evaluate image for proper anatomical presentation
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, written, graphic and/or skill assessment
    Criteria
    you determine the purpose of the exam
    you determine the proper position on the image
    you identify the anatomy on the image
    you determine if anatomical presentation meets the requirements of the exam
    you suggest corrective measures if needed

  6. Identify the purpose of quality management programs
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, written, graphic and/or skill assessment
    Criteria
    you differentiate between quality improvement/management, quality assurance, and quality control
    you detail the main purposes of quality management programs including cost savings, technologist morale, high quality image, and radiation protection
    you detail the components of a quality management program

  7. Evaluate the image considering the patient's age and condition
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, written, graphic and/or skill assessment
    Criteria
    you recognize variances in body habitus
    you recognize common radiographic pathology
    you recognize effects of physical limitations
    you recognize the effects of cognitive limitations