Comparison of radiologists and technologists in the performance of air-contrast barium enemas.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the rate of polyp detection and the quality of air-contrast barium enema (ACBE) procedures performed by technologists differ from those performed by radiologists.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that well-trained certified technologists can perform ACBE similar in overall quality and accuracy to ACBE performed by attending physicians and residents. Training technologists to perform ACBE may help to alleviate the radiology staffing shortage in the United States.