Abstract
BackgroundErrors in radiographic image annotation by radiographers could potentially lead to misdiagnoses by radiologists and wrong side surgery by surgeons. Such medical negligence has dire medico-legal consequences. It was hypothesized that newer technology of computed radiography (CR) and direct digital radiography (DDR) image annotation would potentially lead to a change in practice with subsequent reduction in annotation errors. Following installation of computed radiography, a modality with electronic, post-processing image annotation, the hypothesis was investigated in our study centre.ResultsA total of 72,602 and 126,482 images were documented for film-screen radiography (FSR) and computed radiography (CR), respectively in the department. From these, a sample size of 9452 made up of 4726 each for FSR and CR was drawn. Anatomical side marker errors were common in every anatomy imaged, with more errors seen in FSR (4.6%) than CR (0.6%). Collectively, an error rate of 3.0% was observed. Errors noticed were as a result of marker burnout due to over-exposure as well as marker cone off due to tight beam collimation.ConclusionError rates were considerably reduced following a change from film-screen radiography (FSR) to computed radiography (CR) at the study centre. This change was, however, influenced more by a team of quality control radiographers stationed at CR workstation than by actual practice in x-ray imaging suite. Presence of anthropomorphic phantom in the teaching laboratories in the universities for demonstrations will significantly inculcate the skill needed to completely eliminate anatomical side marker (ASM) error in practice.
Highlights
Anatomical side marker errors were common in every anatomy imaged (Table 2), with more errors seen in film-screen radiography (FSR) (4.6%) than computed radiography (CR) (0.6%)
Errors in radiographic image annotation by radiographers could potentially lead to misdiagnoses by radiologists and wrong side surgery by surgeons
In view of the evidence from our present study and from literature, we suggest that the best practice of anatomical side marker (ASM) should be guided primarily by legibility and sparing of essential anatomy and secondly by aesthetics
Summary
Errors in radiographic image annotation by radiographers could potentially lead to misdiagnoses by radiologists and wrong side surgery by surgeons. Such medical negligence has dire medico-legal consequences. Radiographic image annotation is a core skill inculcated in every radiographer from the classroom to the clinic. It is a fundamental evidence of acceptable technique [1]. The most popular annotation method is an indication of ‘left’ and ‘right’ using anatomical side marker (ASM), a portable radiopaque object in the shape of letter ‘U’ with a void capital ‘L’ and ‘R’ carved on alternate rami [3].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
