The Scientific Control of Radiographic Results

Abstract

IntroductionTHE progress of the radiologist in his attempts to follow the course of disease by means of radiographic diagnosis is often impeded because radiographs taken at different times in his own laboratory are not comparable. The lack of comparability between films submitted by his patient from other laboratories than his own and those which he may take under his own direction is even more striking.There are many variables in radiographic processes which contribute to these vexing differences. These causes might be grouped generally: Personal opinions concerning the type of radiograph which is diagnostically most effective. Types of x-ray machines. Size and position of patient. Types of x-ray tubes. Intensifying screens. X-ray films. Cassettes. Dark room technics. Variations of power supplies to x-ray machines. Changes in output of x-ray tube due to overloading. For each of these general causes there might be listed several contributing factors which cause variation in radiographic density and radiog...