数字X线摄影系统适宜曝光量差别的研究

目的 探讨数字X线摄影系统适宜曝光量设置方法,以确保图像质量和降低受检者受辐射剂量.方法 以树脂体模和对比度-细节测试体模(CDRAD2.0)为被照体,使用碘化铯探测器和硫氧化钆探测器的两种数字X线系统进行不同曝光参数成像.记录体模表面空气吸收剂量并进行秩和检验,用CDRAD分析软件计算图像质量因子函数(IQFinv),对相同曝光条件下的IQFinv值进行配对t检验,根据IQFinv值和系统感度确定这两种数字X线系统的适宜曝光量.结果 不同曝光条件下,两种数字X线系统体模表面空气吸收剂量差异没有统计学意义(P>0.05).碘化铯和硫氧化钆两种探测器的数字X线系统平均IQFinv值在125 kV时分别为4.89±1.01和2.47±0.25,70 kV时平均为5.10±1.05和2.38±0.43,相同曝光条件下两种数字X线系统IQFinv值差异有统计学意义(t值分别为6.509、10、158、P值均<0.05),碘化铯和硫氧化钆两种探测器的数字X线系统适宜曝光量之比约为1:2.结论 以IQFinv值为参考,可以量化不同数字X线系统最适曝光量差别,为正确设置曝光参数提供依据.     

两种平板探测器X线摄影系统的成像剂量与成像质量的比较研究

目的 定量分析、比较非晶硅平板探测器X射线摄影系统与非晶硒平板探测器X射线摄影系统在不同成像剂量条件下成像质量的差别。方法 以非晶硅平板探测器系统和非晶硒平板探测器系统分别摄取对比度-细节体模CDRAD2.0在相近曝光剂量条件下的X射线影像,由4位独立观察者分别阅读影像,并计算所对应的曝光剂量下图像质量因子（image quality figure,IQF）,应用ANOVA分析两成像系统对比度及细节检测能力。使用X射线摄影统计学体模（TRG）测量两系统在不同曝光剂量条件下操作者特性曲线（receive operating characteristics,ROC）,应用Wilcoxon检验分析、比较两种成像技术的影像信息检测能力的差别。结果 在低曝光剂量条件下,两系统CDRAD体模影像IQF值及ROC曲线AZ值差别有显著意义,在对比度、组织细节检测能力上非晶硅平板探测器系统优于非晶硒平板探测器系统。在高曝光剂量条件下,两系统差异无统计学意义。结论 在低曝光剂量条件下,成像质量非晶硅平板探测器系统优于非晶硒系统。在获得相同的影像质量的前提下,使用前者进行X射线摄影可以降低被检者受照剂量。     

全野数字乳腺X线摄影降低辐射剂量的初步研究

＿目的：探讨全野数字乳腺X线摄影的曝光条件,找出影响图像质量和平均腺体剂量（AGD）的因素,为乳腺摄影提供参考。方法：采用GE全野数字乳腺X线机对fluke NA 18-220乳腺模体进行摄影,首先采用AOP 模式下的标准模式曝光,压力设定为12daN,厚度为42 mm,结果形成28 kV,45 mAs,Mo／Rh 曝光条件,以此为参照基准,设定两组实验：以管电流为单变量,设值为8～90 mAs（间隔为机器旋钮可调节的数值）;以管电压为单变量,设值为22～36 kV（间隔为1）,曝光并记录AGD值。上述过程重复3次取平均值。2位影像学医师和1位技师分别独立进行软阅读,参照美国放射学会评分标准,对模体中钙化点、尼龙纤维、肿块灶的显示进行评分。结果：与自动曝光模式相比,手动曝光模式管电压下降3 kV,管电流下降20 mAs,影像质量符合诊断标准,辐射剂量有效下降。管电压的变化对 AGD 的影响比管电流要大。结论：以自动条件作为参照标准,在保障图像诊断质量前提下,管电压和管电流可分别有效降低,以减少辐射。     

CR与非晶体硅DR胸部摄影曝光剂量优化的探讨

目的 比较CR与非晶体硅DR在胸部摄影中入射剂量的差异,探讨两者最优化曝光剂量。方法 应用CR、DR分别对胸部模体行不同入射剂量曝光成像,记录模体表面入射剂量,用CDRAD2.0评估软件计算模体影像图像质量因子反数值IQFinv。CR组、DR组图像IQFinv差异用两独立样本t 检验;CR组、DR组各自图像IQFinv与入射剂量的关系应用pearson相关;应用ROC曲线分析获取两组最佳图像IQFinv值,并换算曝光剂量。结果 CR和DR组入射剂量和图像质量IQFinv值之间呈明显的正相关(r =0.893、0.848, P<0.01),并存在线性回归。CR和DR组IQFinv值差异有统计学意义(t =5.455, P<0.05)。ROC曲线分析(曲线下面积AUC＝0.893, P<0.001),最佳IQFinv值为3.55。结论 CR、DR系统对于低对比度细节的检测能力均随着入射剂量的增加而增加。入射剂量相同时,DR系统对于低对比度细节的检测能力优于CR;在获得相同的图像质量时,与CR相比应用DR可大大降低被检者辐射剂量。     

全数字乳腺X线3种摄影模式的影像质量和辐射剂量比较

目的 探讨全数字乳腺X线摄影(FFDM)不同摄影模式影像质量与辐射剂量的比较研究.方法 用全数字乳腺X线摄影的对比度优先模式(CNT)、标准模式(STD)及辐射剂量优先模式(DOSE)对FLUKE NA 18-220乳腺模体进行摄影,摄影采用自动曝光模式(AEC),记录摄影条件和辐射剂量.由4位影像学医师在相同条件下进行软阅读,并按照美国放射学会(ACR)的评分标准对模体中的钙化点、尼龙纤维、肿块灶进行评分.结果 标准模式、辐射剂量优先模式及对比度优先模式的模体影像评分值分别是11.5、11.0和14.5,标准模式及辐射剂量优先模式与对比度优先模式的影像质量差异有统计学意义(F=41.321,P＜0.05).标准模式与辐射剂量优先模式之间影像质量差异无统计学意义,但两种模式的辐射剂量却不相同,其表面入射剂量分别是4.5和3.15 mGy,腺体平均剂量(AGD)分别是1.18和0.78 mGy.结论 全数字乳腺摄影的辐射剂量优先模式和标准模式适合大多数被检者,特别是辐射剂量优先模式.对比度优先模式应严格控制使用.

Abstract：

Objective To study the difference of image quality and radiation dose between different exposure modes with full-field digital mammography (FFDM).Methods The Fluke18-220mammographic phantom was exposed by FFDM system with different exposure modes at automatic exposure control ( AEC ) ,including contrast mode,standard mode and dose mode,and the exposure factors and radiation dose were recorded.The images on monitor with the best window width and window level were read by four independent radiologists.The images of specks groups,nylon fibers and masses was assessed by the four experienced readers at the criterion of American College of Radiology.Results The detection of specks groups,nylon fibers and masses were statistically different at the contrast mode and standard mode (F =41.321,P ＜ 0.05),further at the contrast mode and dose mode.The detection of specks groups、nylon fibers and masses were not statistically different( P ＞ 0.05 ) at standard mode and dose mode,but the radiation doses were different.The ESD at standard mode and dose mode was 4.5 and 3.15 mGy,respectively.The AGD of standard mode and dose mode was 1.18 mGy and 0.78 mGy,respectively.Conclusions The standard mode and dose mode of FFDM might be fit for most patients,especially at the dose mode.Contrast mode of FFDM should be strictly controled in use.     

骨盆数字化X射线摄影曝光剂量的优化研究

目的研究直接数字化X射线摄影照射剂量与成像质量的关系，确定骨盆X射线摄影的最佳摄影条件。方法以对比度一细节体模CDRAD2．0在不同照射剂量下所获取的影像的图像质量因子IQF，进行ANOVA及SNK统计学分析，确定最佳照射条件。应用X射线摄影模拟人拍摄骨盆X射线影像，按照欧共体（CEC）图像质量标准验证最佳摄影条件与常规摄影条件下照射剂量与成像质量的差别。结果不同照射剂量条件下，对比度一细节体模影像质量因子IQF有显著性差别（P=0．0001），照射剂量大于0．61mGy时，不同剂量组间IQF差异无统计学意义。对以最佳照射条件和常规照射条件所拍摄的X射线摄影模拟人影像按照CEC标准评判，两者影像质量的差异无统计学意义。结论直接数字化X射线摄影时通过增大照射剂量可以提高影像质量，但是当曝光剂量达到足够大时，再增大曝光剂量并不能显著改善图像质量，影像质量与曝光剂量间存在一个优化剂量。标准体模骨盆X射线摄影的优化剂量为0．61mGy。     

数字血管减影中kVp及mAs选择对患者剂量及低对比度血管检出能力的影响

目的分析数字血管减影中kVp及mAs设置对患者皮肤剂量、有效剂量及低对比度血管检出能力的影响。方法以不同浓度碘造影剂自制低对比度血管减影体模，保持影像增强器输入端X射线比释动能为1．1μGy／帧，改变不同kVp设置，测量体模表面X射线入射剂量ESD，观察影像，确定可检测的最低碘造影剂浓度。管电压保持70kV，改变mAs设置，测量影像增强器输入端每帧影像所需X射线空气比释动能、体模ESD剂量及可检测的最低碘造影及浓度。以Monte Carlo模拟程序PCXMCV1．5模拟计算有效剂量。结果体模ESD及患者有效剂量随mAs呈线性变化。保持影像增强器输入端空气比释动能1．1μGy／帧，kVp由50变化到100，体模DSA影像可分辨的最低碘造影剂浓度线性增大；保持管电压70kV，mAs由6．4变化到64，体模DSA影像可分辨的最低碘造影剂浓度按指数规律减小。当曝光量（mAs）超过40后，其对低对比度血管检出的影响不明显。结论对DSA系统而言，降低X射线机管电压要比增大X射线机输出强度更能有效改善其低对比度血管的检测能力。     

膝关节摄影中照射野大小对DDR系统影像质量的影响

目的评价在膝关节摄影中，照射野的选择对直接数字化X线摄影（DDR）系统影像质量的影响。方法随机抽取50例膝关节患者，在摄影条件相同的情况下，对左右侧膝关节用不同的照射野进行摄影，在工作站分别对膝关节影像进行灰度值测量，测量点为胫骨内外髁连线，获得连线的灰度值曲线。小照射野组使用DDR系统进行膝关节正位摄影，焦一片距100cm，摄影条件为55kV、25mAs，照射野包括软组织边缘1～2cm。大照射野组是对小照射野组相同病例的对侧膝关节使用相同的摄影条件，照射野与探测器板的大小一致。结果小照射野组的软组织灰度值曲线呈逐渐变化，显示层次增加；大照射野组的软组织灰度值曲线较平缓，接近骨骼组织时变化陡峭，显示高反差。小照射野组的骨骼组织灰度值曲线形态与大照射野组基本一致，但灰度值的大小整体增大，骨骼组织与软组织的灰度值差异减少。结论DDR系统对面积较小的部位进行摄影时，应缩小照射野，可以获得较理想的影像质量。     

婴幼儿胸部数字化X射线摄影曝光参数的优化

目的 通过优化婴幼儿胸部数字化X射线摄影（DR）曝光参数,在保证图像质量的前提下,降低辐射剂量。方法 选取100例进行胸部X射线检查的婴幼儿为对照组,测量胸部厚度,通过测量铝梯与不同胸厚婴幼儿拍片的灰度值,确定婴幼儿胸厚对应的铝当量。再以铝梯为体模进行曝光,采用自动曝光控制（AEC）,测量不同管电压（kV）曝光所显示的铝梯灰阶数及相应的辐射剂量,确定最佳曝光参数。以优化的曝光参数再进行100例拍摄为试验组,比较两组图像质量及辐射剂量。结果 对照组最大胸厚13.5 cm、最小胸厚8.0 cm和平均胸厚（10.6±1.3） cm对应铝当量分别为2.3、1.4和2.0 cm。试验组平均胸厚为（10.1±2.2） cm。在管电压55~65 kV时,设备显示入射体表剂量为0.068~0.056 mGy,曝光指数（EI）为0.60~0.74,在正常范围内,目测铝梯灰阶数8~11级,辐射剂量降至较低水平时,仍能获得满意的图像质量。总结优化婴幼儿胸部DR曝光参数的计算方案,即X射线管焦点到探测器距离（SID）为100 cm时,不使用滤线栅,以胸部厚度（cm）×2+38（常数）设定管电压（kV）,毫安秒（mAs）选择0.8至1.0。两组图像质量评分结果差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。优化后设备显示体表入射剂量平均值为（0.048±0.007） mGy,低于AEC组的（0.066±0.008） mGy,差异有统计学意义（t=16.781,P<0.001）。结论 本研究公式：管电压（kV）=胸部厚度（cm）×2+38（常数）,优化了婴幼儿胸部DR曝光参数,图像质量满足临床诊断要求,患儿受到的辐射剂量降低。     

不同曝光模式对数字乳腺X线摄影影像质量和辐射剂量的影响

目的探讨数字乳腺X线摄影中不同曝光模式对影像质量及辐射剂量的影响,便于实际工作中在保证影像质量的前提下,通过对曝光模式及曝光条件选择有效降低病人的辐射损伤。方法先采用自动曝光模式(28kV、60mAs)对乳腺模体进行曝光,然后采用相同的压迫厚度和压力,根据自动曝光模式的摄影条件,在手动曝光模式下,分别固定管电压和管电流量,依次改变相应的管电流量及管电压对模体进行曝光,记录各曝光条件下入射剂量(ESD)、平均腺体剂量(AGD)和美国放射学会(ACR)标准的影像评分值。采用SPSS17.0软件中KruskalWallis检验对自动和手动曝光模式产生的各值进行统计学处理。结果手动曝光模式下,当管电压固定为28kV,管电流量由60mAs升至70mAs时,ESD和AGD分别增加了15.4%;当管电流量降至45mAs时,ESD和AGD分别降低了26.1%。当管电流量固定为60mAs,管电压由28kV升至32kV时,ESD和AGD分别增加了47.0%和62.7%;当管电压降至26kV时,ESD和AGD分别降低了22.6%和28.2%。不同曝光模式下影像的整体质量均无明显差别(P>0.05)。结论自动曝光模式下所得到的ESD与AGD均不是最低剂量。以自动曝光模式为基础,分别固定管电压或管电流量,在一定范围内分别手动降低管电流量或管电压值,在不影响影像质量的前提下,可降低辐射剂量。同时,影像质量达到一定水平后,不再随摄影条件增加而提高。     

腰椎DR焦点至探测器距离与体表入射剂量的相关性研究

目的 研究腰椎数字化X射线摄影（DR）的焦点至探测器距离（FFD）与体表入射剂量（ESD）的相关性,探讨FFD对辐射防护的价值。方法 采用自动曝光模式（AEC）对腰椎骨密度（BMD）校准体模模拟腰椎正侧位DR摄影;去除滤线栅,参考腰椎常用摄影管电压,分别设定管电压为70和90 kV;改变FFD自100~240 cm范围内以10 cm递增,FFD共改变15次。德国 QUART dido 2100K型X射线剂量仪测量相关参数。Excel建立体模ESD、管电流、曝光指数（EI）与FFD关系曲线;SPSS 19.0作Pearson相关分析及回归分析。结果 （1）管电压70 kV时：FFD与ESD负相关（r=-0.922,P < 0.001）;FFD与管电流正相关（r=0.991, P < 0.001）;EI与FFD负相关（r=-0.938, P < 0.001）。（2）管电压90 kV时：FFD与ESD负相关（r=-0.955, P < 0.001）;FFD与管电流正相关（r=0.994, P < 0.001）;FFD与EI无相关（r=-0.523, P=0.051）。（3）不同管电压相关系数的差异性分析显示,FFD与ESD及管电流的相关性差异均无统计学意义。 （4）管电压70 kV时FFD与ESD值的回归方程：y=-0.805x+319.731（F=74.175,P < 0.001）;管电压80 kV时FFD与ESD的回归方程：y=-3.152x + 457.613（F=133.524,P < 0.001）。结论 在DR摄影AEC曝光模式下,探测器获得相同曝光量时,FFD与ESD在腰椎X射线摄影中高度负相关。增加FFD可以有效减少腰椎DR摄影的ESD,利于辐射防护。     

A model to enhance job satisfaction for radiographers in the public healthcare system in Gauteng province,South Africa

IntroductionThe World Health Organization seeks to address the maldistribution of healthcare professionals which results in inequitable services to underserved communities (World Health Organization (WHO), 2015). In South Africa, the underserved areas are the public sector hospitals and the rural areas. Radiographers, like other healthcare professionals, are also unequally distributed between the public and private sector hospitals, and between the rural and urban areas. Since one of the perceived factors for maldistribution is job satisfaction, it is essential to explore factors that contribute to job satisfaction/dissatisfaction amongst radiographers to develop a model to attract and retain radiographers in the public sector.MethodsThe study used exploratory sequential mixed methods approach to explore job satisfaction amongst radiographers, employed by public tertiary hospitals in the Gauteng province, South Africa. In phase one of the study (qualitative), individual and focus group interviews were used to collect data, and in phase two (quantitative), a self-developed questionnaire was used. The data collected was analyzed in sequential order, where thematic analysis was performed for phase one of the study, and SPSS version 23 was used in phase two.ResultsIn phase one, five themes emerged, namely the influence of government policies on job satisfaction, lack of career pathing, poor remuneration, working conditions, and the role of the human resources department. In phase two, the Pearson's correlation test was performed which showed that there was a significant correlation of intent to leave, p = .005 with the following factors: government policy on Occupational Specific Dispensation (OSD) and Performance Management Development System (PMDS), working conditions, supervision, equipment and infrastructure, and poor remuneration.ConclusionGovernment policies, working conditions, and poor remuneration play a significant role in job satisfaction amongst radiographers employed by public tertiary hospitals in the Gauteng province.Implications for practiceThe proposed model could enhance job satisfaction for radiographers employed by the public sector hospitals and ultimately increase attraction and retention rates of radiographers for this sector.     

数字X线成像系统图像质量影响因素的实验研究

目的 比较非晶体硒平板探测器DR系统和CR系统的图像噪声、空间分辨率和入射体表剂量（ESD），研究数字X线图像质量影响因素的相关性。方法 采用相同管电压（125kVp）和不同mAs对仿真胸部体模用分辨率测试卡进行DR和CR曝光成像，测量ESD、空间分辨率，计算均方根（RMS）值，分析mA8、ESD、RMS及空间分辨率之间的变化关系。结果 两种系统的RMS随mAs的增加而降低，ESD随mAs的增加而增加。两种系统成像相同ESD时，DR的RMS略高于CR。ESD增加至一定量时，空间分辨率达到极限值（CR为3．1lp／mm，DR为3．4lp／mm）。结论 数字系统放射线剂量的改变会导致噪声、分辨率变化。适度的噪声水平对空间分辨率影响不明显。     

数字合成体层成像低剂量特性在骨骼系统影像学中的研究

目的 对比数字化断层融合技术(DTS)与数字X射线摄影(DR)、电子计算机X射线断层扫描技术(CT)在骨骼系统影像学诊断中X射线辐射剂量的差异,分析3种检查方法在骨骼系统影像学诊断中的敏感性、特异性.方法 回顾性分析2010年2月至2012年3月间在本院同时行DR、DTS、CT骨骼系统检查的100名患者资料,对比DR、DTS、CT之间的X射线辐射剂量,以临床诊断结果为金标准,由2名专家评价3种检查方法的图像,对评价结果进行受试者操作特性曲线(ROC)分析.结果 DR、DTS、CT组的吸收剂量与有效剂量平均值分别为[(1.9±1.8)mGy、(0.03±0.03) mSv)]、[(3.5±1.5)mGy、(0.05±0.02) mSv)]、[(397.7±106.0)mGy·cm、(5.60±1.50) mSv].3种检查方法的吸收剂量和有效剂量差异有统计学意义(F=1377、1377,P＜0.05).采用LSD检验分析CT与DR、DTS的辐射剂量,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).阅片者A、B对DR、DTS、CT检出病灶可信度评价的ROC曲线下面积分别为0.870±0.035、0.966±0.018、0.974±0.015和0.852±0.038、0.951±0.021、0.959±0.019,对其进行Z检验,DR与DTS的差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);DR与CT的差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).CT与DR敏感性差异有统计学意义(x2 =4.833,P＜0.05).结论 DTS的辐射剂量只有CT的1％左右,其在骨骼系统的图像质量可以与CT相当.如有DR检查诊断不明确或有疑似病变的患者,推荐首选DTS进一步检查,减少不必要的辐射剂量.     

The effect of different exposure parameters on radiation dose in digital mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis: A phantom study

IntroductionThere are concerns regarding the increase in radiation dose among women undergoing both digital mammography (DM) and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different exposure parameters on entrance skin dose (ESD) and average glandular dose (AGD) for DM and DBT using a phantom.MethodsThe ESD and AGD of 30 DM and DBT (cranio-caudal projection) examinations using a tissue equivalent phantom where acquired using a GE Senographe Essential DM unit. Commercial phantoms were used to simulate three different breast thicknesses and compositions. Tube potential, tube load, and target/filter combinations were also varied with ESD and AGD recorded directly from the DM unit. Comparisons were made using the non-parametric Kruskal Wallis, Mann–Whitney, and Wilcoxon signed rank tests.ResultsThe individual ESD values for 4 cm, 5 cm, and 6 cm thick phantoms for DM and DBT at Rh/Rh target/filter combination and 30–32 kV/56 mAs levels were 5.06 and 4.18 mGy; 5.82 and 5.08 mGy; and 7.26 and 11.4 mGy, respectively; while AGDs were 1.57 and 1.30 mGy, 1.33 and 1.39 mGy; and 1.29 and 3.60 mGy, respectively. The Kruskal–Wallis test showed a statistically significant difference in AGD for DM (P = .029) but not for DBT (P = 0.368). The Mann–Whitney and Wilcoxon signed rank tests showed no statistically significant difference for ESD or AGD between both DM and DBT techniques (P = .827 and .513). The percentage differences in ESD for phantom thicknesses of 4 cm, 5 cm, and 6 cm between DBT and DM ranged between −21% and 36%; while for AGD between −21% and 64.2%.ConclusionsThe ESD and AGD for single view projection in DM and DBT showed differences at 4 and 6 cm breast thicknesses and compositions but not at 5 cm thickness with 30–32 kV and a Rh/Rh target/filter combination.Implications for practiceA fibro-fatty breast results in less radiation dose variations in terms of ESD and AGD between DM and DBT techniques.     

Optimal exposure parameters for digital radiography of the infant skull: a pilot study

AIM: To determine optimal exposure parameters when performing digital skull radiographs in infants with suspected non-accidental injury (NAI). METHOD: Anteroposterior and lateral post-mortem skull radiographs of six consecutive infants with suspected NAI were made at six exposure levels for each projection. Entrance surface doses ranged from 75-351 microGy. Exposures were made with a Fuji 5000R computed radiography system onto a standard resolution imaging plate. In three patients exposures were repeated using a high-resolution imaging plate. Hard copy images with an edge-enhancement factor of 0.5 were produced. Six observers assessed and scored the radiographs from 1=poor to 5=excellent for visualization of five criteria. The criteria scored included outer table of skull vault, inner table of skull vault, suture margins, vascular markings and soft tissues of the scalp. Radiographs were then ranked in order of overall image quality. Film density and sensitivity values were recorded. Local research committee approval was obtained. RESULTS: Current parameters give an average entrance surface dose of 253 microGy and 246 microGy for anteroposterior and lateral radiographs, respectively. The study demonstrated no perceived improvement in image quality above an entrance surface dose of 200 microGy (80% of current dose) or by the use of a high-resolution imaging plate. CONCLUSION: The potential exists to reduce radiation exposure in infants. A study has commenced to determine the effects of dose reduction on diagnostic accuracy in suspected NAI.     

Digital imaging of the chest in newborns: influence of radiation exposure on image quality

In order to evaluate the influence of radiation exposure on image quality in digital storage phosphor radiography, 200 digital storage phosphor chest radiographs, obtained on a neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and the same number of conventional screen-film radiographs (speed 250) were assessed for the visibility of anatomical structures and catheters. The same exposure parameters were used in both groups. Normal variations of radiation exposure under free exposure conditions were estimated in all digital images using a formula calculating radiation dose in the screen-plane from image sensitivity, latitude and average grey value of the right lung. There was already a significant (P < 0.001) decline in image quality in the digital images with a 30–50% reduction in radiation exposure, which was most severe for structures such as trachea, retrocardiac space, lung texture and low-contrast catheters. Compared with optimally exposed conventional images, only those digital images with a slightly higher than normal dose had an equivalent image quality. Correspondence to: U. Bick     

The EOS 2D/3D X-ray imaging system: A cost-effectiveness analysis quantifying the health benefits from reduced radiation exposure

Objectives

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the EOS^® 2D/3D X-ray imaging system compared with standard X-ray for the diagnosis and monitoring of orthopaedic conditions.

Materials and methods

A decision analytic model was developed to quantify the long-term costs and health outcomes, expressed as quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) from the UK health service perspective. Input parameters were obtained from medical literature, previously developed cancer models and expert advice. Threshold analysis was used to quantify the additional health benefits required, over and above those associated with radiation-induced cancers, for EOS^® to be considered cost-effective.

Results

Standard X-ray is associated with a maximum health loss of 0.001 QALYs, approximately 0.4 of a day in full health, while the loss with EOS^® is a maximum of 0.00015 QALYs, or 0.05 of a day in full health. On a per patient basis, EOS^® is more expensive than standard X-ray by between £10.66 and £224.74 depending on the assumptions employed. The results suggest that EOS^® is not cost-effective for any indication. Health benefits over and above those obtained from lower radiation would need to double for EOS to be considered cost-effective.

Conclusion

No evidence currently exists on whether there are health benefits associated with imaging improvements from the use of EOS^®. The health benefits from radiation dose reductions are very small. Unless EOS^® can generate additional health benefits as a consequence of the nature and quality of the image, comparative patient throughput with X-ray will be the major determinant of cost-effectiveness.     

Online teaching and learning through the students’ eyes – Uncertainty through the COVID-19 lockdown: A qualitative case study in Gauteng province,South Africa

IntroductionIn South Africa, online learning has been adopted to maintain the momentum of learning. The need for social distancing has resulted in the cancellation of many face-to-face activities that comprised the curriculum within higher education. This study explored the experiences of undergraduate diagnostic radiography students of online teaching and learning during the COVID-19 lockdown period.MethodsA qualitative case study design was adopted. Purposive sampling was employed to select undergraduate diagnostic radiography students at the study institution. One-on-one online interviews were audio recorded with fourteen (n = 14) students from second to fourth year and were transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed through content analysis.ResultsTwo main themes emerged: (1) Maintaining balance in the new ‘normal’; (2) Enablers for an inclusive learning environment. The change in the method of teaching has highlighted the requirements for adequate teaching and learning. The students in the study were of the view that they deserve an equal opportunity to quality online education.ConclusionThe study reveals that the participants were concerned about the transition from face-to-face lectures to the online system. They felt they were required to adjust without adequate consideration of the prerequisites for the process, such as devices and data availability.Implications for practiceRadiography is both technical and theoretical. Therefore, the integration of online teaching and learning could be used to enhance digital literacy within the South African context.     

The impact of scan length on the exposure levels in 16- and 64-row multidetector computed tomography: a phantom study

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Higher patient exposure levels have been reported for 64-row multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) compared to 16-row MDCT. The objective of this study was to make a thorough comparison by evaluating the impact of scan length on the exposure levels at 16-row MDCT and 64-row MDCT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dose-length product (DLP) values were determined to compare exposure levels in 16- and 64-row MDCT. This phantom study does not deal with a possible reduction in image quality induced by an increase in scattered radiation in 64-row MDCT compared to 16-row MDCT. RESULTS: The exposure levels of 64-row MDCT (scan slice thickness, 0.5 mm) are up to 18% lower than those of 16-row MDCT at slice thickness 0.5 mm when scanning an object larger than 12.3 cm. At this value, the plots of the 16- and 64-row DLP values versus scan length cross. The DLP curves of 1- and 2-mm slice thickness 16-row MDCT are in closer resemblance to those of 0.5-mm 64-row MDCT. The respective exposure levels of 1- and 2-mm slice thickness 16-row MDCT exceed those of 0.5-mm 64-row MDCT by up to 4% and 3%, with intersections of 30 and 25 cm, respectively. CONCLUSION: Lower effective doses are obtained in 64-row MDCT compared to 16-row MDCT (0.5-mm slice thickness) provided that scan length exceeds 12.3, 30, and 25 cm, for 16-row MDCT slice thickness of 0.5, 1, and 2 mm, respectively. Reduced effective dosage in 64-row MDCT compared to 16-row MDCT has not been demonstrated before. Differences in object size may thus explain discrepancies between previous studies with regard to the exposure levels at 64-slice CT compared to 16-slice CT.