Radiologic technology
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The degree of lung inflation seen on a chest radiograph is dependent on the point during the patient's respiratory cycle at which the radiographer exposes the image receptor. Exposing the image receptor at the exact peak of inflation can be difficult because of the limited time available in which to capture the inspiratory pause. An incentive spirometer can indicate the moment of peak inhalation. This study tested whether images taken with and without an incentive spirometer display different levels of image quality. ⋯ This study introduces a technique to improve the quality of portable chest radiographs. The use of incentive spirometry improved inspiratory depth and image quality for portable chest radiographs.
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Lung cancers, primarily caused by tobacco smoking, are the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States and around the world. Screening of select high-risk patients using low-dose helical computed tomography (LD-CT) has been shown to reduce lung cancer mortality by 20% compared with chest radiography. However, because there are risks to LD-CT lung cancer screening, it should be performed only on current or former tobacco smokers. This article introduces readers to the epidemiology, pathobiology, diagnostic imaging, and diagnosis, staging, and treatment of lung cancer; primary and secondary prevention strategies; LD-CT lung screening parameters; research findings; and resulting practice guidelines.
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Radiologic technology · Nov 2013
CT radiation dose and image quality optimization using a porcine model.
To evaluate potential radiation dose savings and resultant image quality effects with regard to optimization of commonly performed computed tomography (CT) studies derived from imaging a porcine (pig) model. ⋯ The porcine model closely reflects anatomical structures in humans, allowing the grading of anatomical criteria as part of image quality review without radiation risks to human subjects. This study demonstrates that using a porcine model to evaluate CT optimization resulted in more radiation dose reduction than when imaging protocols were tested solely on quality assurance phantoms.
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To discover the status and structure of radiology in Latin America with respect to the health care systems it is part of, the effects of socioeconomics, the equipment and technology used, technologists and their training, accreditation, and professional organizations. ⋯ The current status of radiology in Latin America must be determined. This knowledge will help us discover opportunities for cooperation and ways to improve radiology practice. The main need in Latin America is to extend coverage to the underserved population.