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- Image quality control in digital radiologyPublication . Cândido, Susana; Ribeiro, Luís Pedro; Ribeiro, Anabela; Abrantes, António; Pinheiro, João; Almeida, Rui; Azevedo, KevinImage Quality Control is an important factor that contributes to the improvement of patient care and overall diagnostic accuracy. Our purpose was to elaborate Quality Control Charts and demonstrate the importance of image quality control in a radiology department. A total of 37 random samples, composed of 30 x-ray exams each, were selected and analyzed. Primarily, data about image non-conformities were compiled to make three distinct Quality Control Charts. Secondly, improvement and corrective actions were suggested. Our results allowed us to identify and account for different types of non-conformities found on x-ray images. This illustrates the importance and necessity for the implementation of an adequate Image Quality Control in Digital Radiology.
- Anode heel effect attenuation in lumbar spine radiography: can the use of aluminium filters improve clinical practice of radiographers?Publication . Ribeiro, Luís Pedro; Abrantes, António; Lesyuk, Oksana; Dores, Rúben; Sousa, Patrick; Rodrigues, Sónia; Almeida, Rui; Azevedo, Kevin; Soares, Joana; Aleixo, JoãoPurpose: The aim of this study was to design an aluminiumbased fi lter to reduce the anode heel eff ect in lumbar spine radiographs. Methods: Initially, lumbar spine examinations were observed in a public imaging department to determine standard exposure parameters. Then, the characterization of the anode heel eff ect was made using the Unfors Xi R/F detector and, based on the data collected, aluminium fi lters were designed with a wedge shape and thicknesses ranging from 0.1 to 4.0 mm. The assessment of the entrance skin dose (ESD) reduction was performed on the anthropomorphic phantom with and without fi lters, using the universal dosimeter UNIDOS E equipped with an ionization chamber. Finally, the image quality assessment was performed with the Pehamed Phantom Digrad A+K and image quality surveys were applied to radiographers and radiologists. Results and Discussion: Uniformity of the beam was achieved, especially with fi lter number 2, which presents a signifi cant variation of 9% between the cathodic and anodic side. This fi lter contributes to ESD reduction of 35% and 36% for AP and lateral projection, respectively. Also, according to radiographers and radiologists, it improves the image quality of lumbar spine radiography. Conclusion: The use of aluminium fi lters can be advantageous in the clinical practice of radiographers when performing lumbar spine radiographs since it allows the standardization of the anode heel eff ect, reduces the radiation dose to the patient and does not compromise image quality.
- Image quality assessment of head CT: Control charts as an useful instrumentPublication . Guiomar, Joana Reis; Ribeiro, Luís Pedro; Ribeiro, Anabela; Abrantes, António; Pinheiro, João; Almeida, Rui; Azevedo, KevinThemain objective of this research was to determine if the diagnostic image, acquired by CT scan, meets the quality criteria previously established for head CT exams. A total of 360 Head Computed Tomography exams were analyzed, using a checklist. For data collection, quality criteria were created, organized into four criteria groups, consisting of multiple items that must appear in the images studies. After data processing, a large number of non-conformexaminations were identified in than more than 50% of the sample. We concluded the main causes of these results are: the “incorrect or incomplete positioning”, the "lack of name of the radiographer and “motion artefacts”. Therefore it is essential to implement a checklist for a systematic evaluationof procedures.