Quality Assurance In Diagnostic Radiology Research Articles

Utilization of artificial intelligence approach for prediction of DLP values for abdominal CT scans: A high accuracy estimation for risk assessment.

PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate Artificial Neural Network (ANN) modeling to estimate the significant dose length product (DLP) value during the abdominal CT examinations for quality assurance in a retrospective, cross-sectional study.MethodsThe structure of the ANN model was designed considering various input parameters, namely patient weight, patient size, body mass index, mean CTDI volume, scanning length, kVp, mAs, exposure time per rotation, and pitch factor. The aforementioned examination details of 551 abdominal CT scans were used as retrospective data. Different types of learning algorithms such as Levenberg-Marquardt, Bayesian and Scaled-Conjugate Gradient were checked in terms of the accuracy of the training data.ResultsThe R-value representing the correlation coefficient for the real system and system output is given as 0.925, 0.785, and 0.854 for the Levenberg-Marquardt, Bayesian, and Scaled-Conjugate Gradient algorithms, respectively. The findings showed that the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm comprehensively detects DLP values for abdominal CT examinations. It can be a helpful approach to simplify CT quality assurance.ConclusionIt can be concluded that outcomes of this novel artificial intelligence method can be used for high accuracy DLP estimations before the abdominal CT examinations, where the radiation-related risk factors are high or risk evaluation of multiple CT scans is needed for patients in terms of ALARA. Likewise, it can be concluded that artificial learning methods are powerful tools and can be used for different types of radiation-related risk assessments for quality assurance in diagnostic radiology.

Energy dependent calibration of XR-QA2 radiochromic film with monochromatic and polychromatic x-ray beams.

This work investigates the energy response and dose-response curve determinations for XR-QA2 radiochromic film dosimetry system used for synchrotron radiation work and for quality assurance in diagnostic radiology, in the range of effective energies 18-46.5 keV. Pieces of XR-QA2 films were irradiated, in a plane transverse to the beam axis, with a monochromatic beam of energy in the range 18-40 keV at the ELETTRA synchrotron radiation facility (Trieste, Italy) and with a polychromatic beam from a laboratory x-ray tube operated at 80, 100, and 120 kV. The film calibration curve was expressed as air kerma (measured free-in-air with an ionization chamber) versus the net optical reflectance change (netΔR) derived from the red channel of the RGB scanned film image. Four functional relationships (rational, linear exponential, power, and logarithm) were tested to evaluate the best curve for fitting the calibration data. The adequacy of the various fitting functions was tested by using the uncertainty analysis and by assessing the average of the absolute air kerma error calculated as the difference between calculated and delivered air kerma. The sensitivity of the film was evaluated as the ratio of the change in net reflectance to the corresponding air kerma. The sensitivity of XR-QA2 films increased in the energy range 18-39 keV, with a maximum variation of about 170%, and decreased in the energy range 38-46.5 keV. The present results confirmed and extended previous findings by this and other groups, as regards the dose response of the radiochromic film XR-QA2 to monochromatic and polychromatic x-ray beams, respectively. The XR-QA2 radiochromic film response showed a strong dependence on beam energy for both monochromatic and polychromatic beams in the range of half value layer values from 0.55 to 6.1 mm Al and corresponding effective energies from 18 to 46.5 keV. In this range, the film response varied by 170%, from a minimum sensitivity of 0.0127 to a maximum sensitivity of 0.0219 at 10 mGy air kerma in air. The more suitable function for air kerma calibration of the XR-QA2 radiochromic film was the power function. A significant batch-to-batch variation, up to 55%, in film response at 120 kV (46.5 keV effective energy) was observed in comparison with published data.

Reject Analysis in Conventional Radiography

Quality assurance in diagnostic radiology is of paramount importance to provide quality services leading to better diagnostic yield and thus accurate and timely treatment. Reject analysis study was done in conventional radiography to find out the incidence and the causative factors so that necessary steps be taken to avoid these factors resulting in less repetition of films thus reducing cost and unnecessary radiation to patients and personnel working in radiology department.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njr.v3i2.9612 Nepalese Journal of Radiology Vol.3(2)July-Dec, 2013: 65-67

Locally fabricated metal step wedge for quality assurance in diagnostic radiology

The code of safe practice for the use of x-rays in medical diagnosis requires that each x-ray facility has an appropriate quality assurance program in radiation protection, to ensure accurate diagnosis, and to keep doses as low as reasonably achievable. This requires an in-house system of regular checks and procedures. This research has investigated and carried out some of these checks via the step wedge, fabricated by adopting the model of a standard aluminum wedge obtained from the radiology department of the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) using locally acquired metals. The wedges were exposed to x-rays and the optical densities of the processed films measured with a densitometer. The result indicates that standard equipment can be produced from locally sourced materials, as well as to investigate an alternative wedge material. The values of the both the local and standard aluminum wedges fall within range of the tolerance limit of +5% (Rehani, 1995).

Implementation of quality assurance in diagnostic radiology in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Republic of Srpska)

Application of a quality control (QC) programme is very important when optimisation of image quality and reduction of patient exposure is desired. QC surveys of diagnostics imaging equipment in Republic of Srpska (entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina) has been systematically performed since 2001. The presented results are mostly related to the QC test results of X-ray tubes and generators for diagnostic radiology units in 92 radiology departments. In addition, results include workplace monitoring and usage of personal protective devices for staff and patients. Presented results showed the improvements in the implementation of the QC programme within the period 2001--2005. Also, more attention is given to appropriate maintenance of imaging equipment, which was one of the main problems in the past. Implementation of a QC programme is a continuous and complex process. To achieve good performance of imaging equipment, additional tests are to be introduced, along with image quality assessment and patient dosimetry. Training is very important in order to achieve these goals.

Reject/repeat analysis and the effect prior film viewing has on a department's reject/repeat rate

Purpose: Achieving cost-effectiveness within the NHS is an old initiative but one that has again been highlighted by recent government policies (The New NHS—Modern and Dependable, Stationary Office, London, 1997). It has been reiterated that it is the responsibility of individual Trusts to devise means to provide such a service. Reject/repeat analyses have long been the primary tool used to assess the cost-effectiveness of radiography departments (Quality Assurance in Diagnostic Radiology, WHO, Geneva, 1982). This research paper examines an in-house initiative (viewing patients' previous films) commonly employed in other Health Trusts in order to reduce departmental repeat/reject rates. Method: Three hundred orthopaedic patients with hip, knee and ankle prostheses were included in a reject/repeat analysis. The aim was to investigate whether or not viewing patient's previous relevant radiographs would be advantageous to the practicing radiographer. This was done through an audit cycle consisting of two audit periods each lasting for 3 months. The primary audit period recorded the baseline repeat/reject rate, with the secondary audit period recording the repeat/reject rate under an experimental condition of viewing the relevant radiographs. Results: The baseline audit revealed repeat rates of 33% in orthopaedic patients with hip, knee and ankle prostheses. The availability of prior film viewing to the radiographer reduced this repeat rate to 10.6%. Conclusion: Prior film viewing dramatically reduced the department's repeat/reject rate by 22.4%. This provides scope for significant patient dose reductions as well as reducing departmental film expenses. This is an underestimated initiative and should be used appropriately in routine clinical practice.

Radiation protection and quality assurance in diagnostic radiology – an IAEA coordinated research project in Asia and Eastern Europe

The International Atomic Energy Agency currently has two parallel Coordinated Research Projects (CRP) running in Asia and Eastern Europe. The main objective of the CRPs is to raise the level of awareness in participating countries about the need for radiation protection for patients undergoing diagnostic radiology procedures. This is to be achieved by first assessing the status quo in a sample of hospitals and X-ray rooms in each participating country. A program of optimization of radiation protection for patients is then introduced by means of a comprehensive quality assurance program and the implementation of appropriate dose reduction methods, taking into account clinical requirements for diagnostically acceptable images. Patient dose assessment and image quality assessment are to be performed both before and after the introduction of the quality assurance program. The CRP is divided into two phases — the first is concerned with conventional radiography, while the second involves fluoroscopy and computed tomography. The CRP is still running, restricting the scope of this paper to a discussion of the approach being taken with the project. The project will be completed in 1998, with analysis to follow.

IEC Projects and Achievements in the Field of Quality Assurance in Diagnostic Radiology

IEC Projects and Achievements in the Field of Quality Assurance in Diagnostic Radiology

Quality Assurance In Diagnostic Radiology : Regulations In The Federal Republic Of Germany

Quality Assurance In Diagnostic Radiology : Regulations In The Federal Republic Of Germany

IEC Projects and Achievements in the Field of Quality Assurance in Diagnostic Radiology

Since its foundation in 1968, IEC Technical Committee 62 'Electrical equipment in medical practice' and its subcommittees have issued about 60 publications, most of them dealing with safety requirements for equipment. These safety requirements cover all aspects of safety, not only as often supposed, electrical and mechanical safety. For example, requirements for protection against excessive temperatures, abnormal operation and fault conditions as well as protection against hazards from unwanted or excessive radiation are also included. Two main parts of these comprehensive activities will be presented: (1) Radiation protection by preventive measures incorporated into medical electrical equipment. For patients or occupationally exposed persons, exposure to ionising radiation may exceed tolerable limits established for a member of the public, therefore the following measures have to be considered: (a) adequate provisions have to be made to protect patient, operator and other persons; (b) tolerable limits for equipment intended to emit radiation are specified in Collateral and Particular Standards; and (c) tolerable limits for equipment emitting unwanted X radiation are specified in a General Standard and in Particular Standards. (2) Quality assurance programmes which describe methods and provide guidelines for individual items of equipment or systems of equipment used in medical imaging departments. Test methods to be carried out on the user's responsibility will be described to achieve and maintain: (a) radiological information of adequate quality for medical diagnostic purposes; (b) minimum radiation dose to patients and medical staff, compatible with adequate quality of the radiological information; and (c) maximum cost containment by minimising wastage of time and resources (e.g. by reducing the number of rejected radiograms). Special emphasis will be placed on mutual effects between these main parts.

Phantoms for Computer Assisted Quality Control in Diagnostic Radiology

A portable PC makes possible the reliable organisation of the procedure for quality assurance in diagnostic radiology. All specifications and operating instructions are displayed on the screen. The possibility of on-line measuring (kV and dose) is integrated. Prompt comparison with standard data is performed. In the case of significant deviations a warning message is displayed and a repeated measurement performed immediately may clear the situation. In this connection a trend analysis, which is available, may be very helpful. In the conclusive evaluation, data can be added to records and charts. A list of items which exceed the tolerance levels or warning limits is printed out.

Ein Überblick über die administrativen Aspekte der Qualitätssicherung in der Röntgendiagnostik

The aim of quality assurance in diagnostic radiology is to optimize image quality under the important boundary condition of the smallest possible exposure of the patient. One of the tasks of the „Röntgenverordnung”, the radiation protection regulation for medical radiology, is to convey this aim into practice. The regulation therefore requires all the operating institutions to arrange acceptance and constancy checks of their X-ray installations. The regulation also requires to install special institutions, the medical and dental boards („ärztliche Stellen”), which have been entitled to give advice along with the conduction of quality assurance. Medical staff not always reaffirm the performance of quality assurance. It is plausible to conjecture that difficulties of mutual understanding or misinterpretations at the administrative level could be involved. The present paper aims at some clearing up under these aspects.

Estimation and Significance of Patient Doses from Diagnostic X Ray Practices in India

Population exposure resulting from diagnostic X ray examinations is quite considerable. This exposure of the population of India was estimated from the data collected about the number of examinations per 1000 persons per year, the doses measured at the entrance surface in diagnostic examinations, conversion factors measured and organ doses estimated therefrom. The per caput effective dose equivalent from diagnostic radiology is estimated to be 0.021 mSv per year. Even though this is low compared to the values reported for developed countries there is good scope for its reduction by properly optimising the X ray procedures and by ensuring Quality Assurance in diagnostic radiology.

A set of test objects for quality assurance in diagnostic radiology

A set of test objects for quality assurance in diagnostic radiology

Quality Assurance In Diagnostic Radiology

Quality Assurance In Diagnostic Radiology

Wie stark hängt die Strahlenbelastung der diagnostischen Röntgenuntersuchungen von der Aufnahmetechnik ab?

The radiation burden of an individual patient caused by a radiological examination depends strongly on the technical parameters, such as kV and mAs. As an inquiry among 150 swiss physicians showed, rather different irradiation techniques are used for the same examination. Depending on these irradiation techniques, the doses may vary by almost a factor of ten. These large variations in dose indicate that in some clinics or hospitals the radiographic techniques and the film processing are at fault. This fact has to be accounted for by future efforts of quality assurance in diagnostic radiology.

Management of quality assurance in diagnostic radiology by microcomputer

Software has been written for the calculation, interpretation and presentation of quality control measurements of X-ray machines. This provides an efficient system of data storage and enables the ready analysis and application of the results.

Quality Assurance in Diagnostic Radiology

Quality Assurance in Diagnostic Radiology

Quality Assurance in Diagnostic Radiology, edited by R. G. Waggener and C. R. Wilson

<i>Quality Assurance in Diagnostic Radiology</i>, edited by R. G. Waggener and C. R. Wilson

Quality Assurance in diagnostic radiology: an irreverent view of a sacred cow: annual oration in honor of Albert Soiland, M.D.

The problem of federal regulation of radiologic practice is examined via an in-depth analysis of the Proposed Recommendations for Diagnostic Radiology Facility Quality Assurance Programs as published in the Federal Register by the Commissioner of Food and Drugs. It is shown that the need for such recommendations is not established, that the program proposed by the Commissioner is potentially burdensome for the radiologist, that it does not address the most significant causes of unnecessary patient irradiation, and that the benefits expected to derive from it are, in fact, negligible. This is not to denigrate the value of well-conceived quality assurance efforts, and measures are suggested that might more reasonably be expected to reduce the radiation exposure of the public. The radiologist is urged to 1) conduct his practice in as faultless a manner as possible; and 2) exercise his right to respond to proposals of the federal regulatory agencies.