qa

Question 1

To systematically evaluate a radiographic image and determine:
It meets diagnostic quality standards, and

It follows the technical and procedural parameters of
good radiographic practice.

Answer 1

Film Critiquing

Question 2

helps detect technical errors, processing problems, positioning faults, and equipment issues–all vital in QA/QC programs.

Answer 2

Film critiquing

Question 3

step how to critique film

Answer 3

Step 1: Verify Patient and Film Information
Step 2: Evaluate Exposure Factors
Step 3: Evaluate Geometric Factors (Detail and Distortion)
Step 4: Evaluate Positioning and Collimation
Step 5: Check for Artifacts.
Step 6: Evaluate Processing
Step 7: Assess Diognostic Acceptability

Question 4

Check patient name, date, anatomical marker, exam type.

Confirm correct image orientation ( AP, PA, Lateral, Oblique)

Ensure the film is properly labeled– incorrect or missing markers are QA violations.

Note: Proper film identification prevents misdiagnosis, wrong-patient errors, and unnecessary repeat exposures.

Answer 4

Step 1: Verify Patient and Film Information

Question 5

1. Density (Overall Blackness)
   Too light(underexposed) - low mAs, low kVP or processing issue

Too dark ( overexposed)- excessive mAs or incorrect kVp.

Ideal: Visible anatomy with good tissue penetration- no areas of excessive burnout or opacity.

2. Contrast( Difference between densities)

High contrast(short scale): few shades of gray (used for extremities, bone detail

Low contrast(long scale): many shades of gray ( used for chest, abdomen)

Ideal: Contrast should be appropriate few the anatomy being imaged.

Answer 5

Step 2: Evaluate Exposure Factors

Question 6

Look for sharp edges and fine structures Blurring may be caused by:

1. Detail/resolution:

Motion (patient or tube)
Long exposure time
Poor focal spot size
Film-screen contact problem

2. Distortion
   Size distortion - caused by incorrect SID or OID

Shape distortion- Due to misalignment of tube, part or receptor

Note: Always check for correct centering and alignment to maintain geometric accuracy.

Answer 6

Step 3: Evaluate Geometric Factors (Detail and Distortion)

Question 7

Is the anatomy of interest centered and fully included?

Are rotation and angulation appropriate?

Is collimation properly applied?

Note: Proper positioning minimizes repeat exam and patient dose.

Answer 7

Step 4: Evaluate Positioning and Collimation

Question 8

Common artifacts:

Look for unwanted marks or foreign objects on the image.

Jewelry, zippers, buttons
Static marks or scratches
Finger marks or dirt
Grid line, cassette defects
Digital artifacts

Note: Identify whether the artifacts patient-related, equipment related, or processing-related.

Answer 8

Step 5: Check for Artifacts.

Question 9

For film based systems:

Fogging, chemical stains, roller marks, light leaks, or film overlap

Uneven development may indicate exhausted chemicals or poor temperature control.

Answer 9

Step 6: Evaluate Processing

Question 10

Ask:
Is the image diagnostically useful?

Can the radiologist visualize the required anatomy andbpathology?

Is the radiation dose justified by the image quality?

Answer 10

Step 7: Assess Diognostic Acceptability