Topic 4: Image Acquisition Errors
to detect abrupt edges of exposure and non-
The data in the imaging plate is located within the
collimated edges in order to develop a histogram
Data clipping
 Most CR systems do not send all the data
acquired by the image receptor to the post-
acquisition system because the quantity of
data is far greater than the display system
can provide for viewing.
 the software processing the data coming
from the image receptor is programmed to
recognize that some data represents
exposure below the diagnostic imaging
range,whereas other data represents
exposure far above the diagnostic range.
Essentially, the algorithm eliminates data
that is clinically irrelevant to a particular
examination.
 The information that is important on the
histogram will be determined by the values
of interest (VOI), which will be different for
each body part.
 The algorithm also has an LUT that has the
appropriate contrast for each body part.
Therefore, the algorithm will vary
depending on the body part.
 This is why CR systems demand to know
what examination is being performed before
the image can be acquired, processed, and
displayed
Histogram analysis error
 The computer has reference histograms for
the body parts
 The computer uses the shape of the
histogram and algorithm to locate the VOI
and determine the exposure indicator
 When an image is obtained that does not fit
the parameters that were used for the
reference histogram, it may result in a
histogram analysis error
What happens when a histogram analysis
error occurs?
• The image will not display appropriately.
• The appropriate density and contrast will not
be displayed because the computer does not
recognize the data.
• It can give an incorrect exposure indicator
number.
(Most CR systems include algorithms designed
exposure, which are assumed to represent
collimator edges.)
Field recognition error
 The computer cannot find the edges of
collimation
 Can include off focus and scatter in the
histogram
Result:
 Dark, light, or low contrast images
 Inaccurate exposure indicator number
 No collimation
 There will be too much exposure in the
histogram, that will also cause a
histogram analysis error and will cause
the exposure indicator to reflect a large
exposure to the plate.
 Too much collimation
 can also cause histogram analysis errors
and lead to poor image quality
 If the histogram has excess exposure from
poor collimation techniques, this could
cause an error in locating the VOI, which
can cause rescaling errors that result in poor
density and contrast on the image.
 It is also possible to have an abrupt straight
line of tissue density when there are
prosthetic devices or other parts with large
density differences that may lead to a
histogram analysis error
 Another histogram analysis error will occur
when an area of increased or decreased
attenuation is located in the body where it is
not normally located
 When multiple exposures are done on one
plate, symmetric part placement and
exposure field borders will give the best
results.
 Lack of symmetry may result in poor image
quality due to histogram analysis errors. If
the computer has exposure field recognition
errors. Each exposure of multiple exposures
must also have the appropriate technique,
because the computer will average the
density and contrast between all exposures.
  Another problem is that when obtaining Increased Thickness, Size and Density – Increased
cross-table images, often the part is close to Scatter Radiation
one side of the plate, which can also cause
exposure field recognition errors and lead to 3. BEAM-RESTRICTING DEVICE/ COLLIMATOR
rescaling errors. Increased Collimation – Decreased Scatter
Radiation
Low intensity radiation response
DEVICES THAT REDUCE SCATTERED
 PSP stores background exposure RADIATION
 Imaging Plate responds to an exposure as
low as 60 µR 1.) Beam Restrictors
 Background is 40 µR/day to 80 µR/day 2.) Grids
 Plates unused for more than 48 hours
should be erased RADIOGRAPHIC GRID
Scatter control  Device used to reduce the intensity of scatter
radiation in the remnant x-ray beam
 It is recommended that kVp levels not  Principal Function: to improve image
contrast
exceed 80 for any non-grid radiography,  Secondary function: to absorb scattered
including the chest. radiation
 It is recommended that when scatter ratios  Used when:
approach 50 percent, grids should become  Anatomical part >10 cm
mandatory. Failure to do so greatly reduces  >60 kVp is used
image contrast due to the scatter radiation
reaching the image receptor. • Advantage: improved image contrast
• Disadvantages:
 Higher technical factors used
 High patient dose
• Position: between the patient & IR

GRID CUTOFF
• The undesirable absorption of primary x-ray
by the grid
• Cause: improper grid position
• Primary Radiographic Effects: Further
reduction in the number of photons
reaching the IR
• Decrease in radiographic density
• Most common to parallel grid

SECONDARY RADIATION/FOG Short dimension grid VS Long dimension grid

Increased kVp – Increased Scattered Radiation – Long dimension grids

• have lead lines that run parallel to the long
Increased Fog
axis
• can be used in both portrait and landscape
FACTORS THAT CONTROL SCATTER RADIATION
orientation
1.KVp Short dimension grids

Increased kVp – Increased Scatter Radiation– • have lead lines run parallel to the short
Increased Fog – Increased Density axis
• should only be used in landscape
2.PATIENT THICKNESS, SIZE AND DENSITY