Instructor Laura Herz, BA, RT(R)
Office
Office
Hours
Education Department
M-F 7:00-3:30
Phone (402) 460-5642
E-mail lherz@marylanning.org
Text and Materials:
This course is largely based upon information presented in class lectures. However, the majority of information can be found in Radiologic Science for Technologists: Physics, Biology, and Protection
10 th Edition; Stewart C. Bushong.
You will need a calculator for this course. You may use a personal calculator during class discussions and on homework assignments, but not on any tests or quizzes. Calculators that are permitted during tests and quizzes are those provided in the classroom.
Description:
This course is designed to establish a knowledge base in the components that make up radiographic quality, specifically the geometric and photographic properties of imaging.
Objectives:
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List the four radiographic qualities that are used to produce a radiographic image.
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Define each of the four radiographic qualities.
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Identify the radiographic qualities that are considered photographic properties.
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Identify the radiographic qualities that are considered geometric properties.
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Identify the radiographic qualities that influence the sharpness of the radiographic image.
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Identify the radiographic qualities that influence the visibility of the radiographic image.
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Begin to recognize the four radiographic qualities on an actual radiograph.
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Explain how sharpness and visibility are two separate entities.
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Identify the three major influences of image unsharpness.
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Describe the two types of patient motion.
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Describe the appropriate techniques to prevent or minimize the effects of motion.
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Describe the effects of film/screen combinations on resolution of the recorded image.
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Define quantum mottle, modulation transfer function, and noise.
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Explain the use of tube rating and anode cooling charts.
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Distinguish between size and shape distortion.
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Describe the relationship between size distortion and the recorded detail of the image.
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List the two factors that influence size distortion.
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Explain which of the two factors influencing size distortion has the greatest effect.
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Explain why size distortion cannot be totally eliminated.
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Write the formula for determining size distortion in a recorded image.
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Write the formula for determining the percent of magnification produced in a recorded image.
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List the factors that influence shape distortion.

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Identify which factor produces the least amount of shape distortion.
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Manipulate exposure factors in order to produce a minimal loss of image detail and maintain radiographic density.
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Describe the absorption characteristics of x-rays in organs or body parts due to tissue density.
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List three factors that affect tissue density.
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Write the formula for finding mAs.
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Calculate problems involving mAs and SID.
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State the inverse square law.
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State the factor that controls the quality of the beam.
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Define density.
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State the 15% rule.
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Identify the factor that controls the quantity of the beam.
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Describe the anode heel effect.
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Describe the effect radiographic film processing has on density.
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Relate screen speed to the amount of density produced on a radiograph.
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Define inherent filtration, added filtration, total filtration, and compensating filtration.
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Describe the effect of beam restriction on radiographic density.
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Understand the concepts of a grid including: parallel or focused, grid ratio, grid frequency, and grid conversion factor.
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Identify pathologic conditions that result in increased and decreased attenuations of the x-ray beam.
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Define contrast and subject contrast.
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Differentiate between speed and latitude.
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Define primary radiation.
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Define exit radiation.
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Describe the air-gap technique.
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Analyze H & D curves to determine speed, contrast, and latitude relationships.
Requirements:
Each student will be required to attend class regularly and participate in lectures and group discussions. Below, you will find an ordered list of the topics we will be discussing. Throughout the duration of and following each lecture, you will be given occasional assignments. These assignments must be completed by the beginning of class on the due date. After the correction of assignments and a review session, a test will be given. Test days will be announced in advance.
Also, a short quiz will follow the presentation of lecture #1. This quiz will also be announced in advance. A comprehensive final will be given at the end of the course; date to be announced.
Other rules, regulations, and policies will be following the guidelines listed in the school handbook.
Grading:
Grades will be calculated evenly based upon your homework scores, quiz scores, test scores, and class attendance/participation. However, the comprehensive final exam will be entered in the grade book twice.

4
5
7
8
Schedule:
Order Title
1 Introduction to Radiographic Quality
 Quiz: Introduction Material
2 Detail
 Test: Detail
3
6
Distortion
 Test: Distortion
TEST: DETAIL AND DISTORTION
Density
 Test: Density
Contrast
 Test: Contrast
TEST: DENSITY AND CONTRAST
FINAL: DETAIL, DISTORTION, DENSITY,
AND CONTRAST