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The Sprawls Resources The Sprawls Resources are a collection of classroom visuals, modules, and textbooks available with open access to all institutions, instructors, and students. |
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An optimized
medical imaging procedure is on in which all of the variable
factors and quantities have been adjusted to produce an image
with the quality characteristics to provide visualization of the
necessary anatomical structures and signs of pathology or injury
to contribute to an accurate and effective diagnosis and
approprate treatment for each individual patient
balanced against any associated risks. When projection x-ray imaging (radiography and fluoroscopy) was the major method of imaging optimizing a procedure was for the most part adjusting the characteristics of the x-radiation, specifically the spectrum, geometry, and exposure, generally referred to as the technique factors. With the development of the many new imaging methods that produce images in a digital format an additional and highly significant variable factor, the size of the digital elements (voxels and pixels) becomes a major factor in imaging procedure optimization. This must be considered in the formulation of the protocols (technique factors) for each clinical procedure. Because element size has multiple and conflicting effects on image quality and potential risks through complex relationships experienced medical physicists are needed to participate in clinical procedure optimization through consultations and as educators. This is an expanding role and opportunity for medical physicists to participate in clinical procedure optimization in addition to equipment performance in the context of quality control and assurance activities. To support this specific educational resources will be added to this site in early 2019. The following articles and links provide additional supporting information.
EFFECTIVE PHYSICS EDUCATION FOR OPTIMIZING CT IMAGE
PHYSICS EDUCATION FOR THE OPTIMIZATION OF MRI
OPTIMIZING MEDICAL IMAGE CONTRAST, DETAIL AND NOISE
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