Standardisation and Optimisation of Chest and Pelvis X-Ray Imaging Protocols Across Multiple Radiography Systems in a Radiology Department.

X-ray imaging protocols in radiology departments often exhibit variability in exposure parameters and geometric setups, leading to inconsistencies in image quality and potential variations in patient dose.

Objectives

This study aimed to harmonise and optimise chest and pelvis X-ray imaging protocols by standardising exposure parameters and geometric setups across departmental systems, minimising radiation dose while ensuring adequate image quality for accurate diagnosis.

Methods

The image quality of five pelvic and three chest protocols across different radiographic systems was evaluated both quantitatively and visually. Visual image quality for both chest and pelvis protocols was assessed by radiologists and radiographers using the Visual Grading Analysis (VGA) method. Additionally, the quantitative image quality figure inverse (IQFinv) metric for all protocols was determined using the CDRAD image quality phantom. Moreover, the patient radiation dose for both chest and pelvis protocols was evaluated using dose area product (DAP) values measured by the systems' built-in DAP metres.

Results

Different quantitative image quality and radiation dose to patients were achieved in various protocol settings for both chest and pelvis examinations, but the visual image quality assessment showed satisfactory image quality for all observers in both the pelvis and chest protocols. The selected protocols for harmonising chest radiography across all imaging systems result in reduced radiation exposure for patients while maintaining adequate image quality compared to the previously used system-specific protocol.

Conclusions

The clinical protocol for chest and pelvis radiography has been standardised and optimised in accordance with patient radiation exposure and image quality. This approach aligns with the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle, ensuring optimal diagnostic information while minimising the radiation risks.