Retrospective evaluation of exposure indicators: a pilot study of exposure technique in digital radiography

Abstract

Introduction Digital radiography lacks visual clues of exposure techniques used to obtain radiographs, therefore manufacturers have included exposure indicators (EIs). EIs provides feedback about exposure techniques used and evaluating EIs will yield much needed information about exposure trends used in digital radiography. Methods A retrospective explorative quantitative study was conducted at nine randomly selected imaging departments in Gauteng, South Africa. Data pertaining to EI was retrospectively collected using quota sampling and compared to manufacturer recommended (MR) standards. Results A total of 1422 EIs were collected. 50% of these were within the MR standard. 27% of EI indicated overexposure and 23% indicated underexposure. Conclusions Greater evidence of overexposure was noted in the retrospective analysis of the EI. This pilot study shows the need for further investigation into exposure technique practices in digital radiography and the need for measures to halt the evidenced overexposure.

Using the theory of planned behaviour to determine radiation protection among South African diagnostic radiographers: a cross‐sectional survey

“…The past use of radiation protection reported in the current study aligns with findings in a South African Limpopo study where only 29% of radiographers indicated using radiation protection on patients 6 . A South African study found that a quarter of patients received more radiation exposure than was necessary to produce a diagnostic radiograph 11 . Likewise, a retrospective evaluation of 100 pre‐processed neonatal chest X‐rays revealed that 77% were not collimated optimally 7 .…”

“…Other studies in Gauteng, South Africa, revealed that only 33% of radiographers knew the function of exposure indicators 8 and a quarter of patients received more radiation exposure than was necessary to produce a diagnostic radiograph 9 . However, the reasons for South African radiographers’ radiation protection behaviour remains largely unexplored 7,8,10–12 . The theory of planned behaviour posits that behaviour depends mostly on the intention to perform a behaviour 13 .…”

“… 9 However, the reasons for South African radiographers’ radiation protection behaviour remains largely unexplored. 7 , 8 , 10 , 11 , 12 The theory of planned behaviour posits that behaviour depends mostly on the intention to perform a behaviour. 13 Therefore, the theory of planned behaviour formed the theoretical framework of the study.…”

South African radiographers’ radiation protection practices, a qualitative study

“…P7 Similarly, a study in Gauteng, South Africa, showed that 27% of patients received more radiation exposure than was necessary to produce a diagnostic radiograph. 41 A study in Ahvaz-Iran showed that 26% of reviewed examinations in the study used a mAs greater The radiation protection principles (justification, optimisation, limitation) and the application of thereof are known very well, but in the end, it is a personal choice to practice. Although they had good knowledge about the basic principles of radiation protection, poor compliance was observed.…”

Investigating perceptions of ‘dose creep’ amongst student radiographers: A grounded theory study

“…29 Additionally, greater reflection may be still be required amongst practicing radiographers in order to discern good and poor practice in terms of exposure factor selection. 30 Despite several participants indicating an increasing confidence and understanding when manipulating exposures, overall, each participant found it challenging to articulate their own approach to setting and manipulating exposure parameters: John: "I assess (the patient) build and go back to the system and decrease the kV and the mA by 2 or 5".…”