Chest X-ray quality
Tutorial conclusion
Complete assessment of a chest X-ray requires consideration of image quality. This involves scrutiny of inclusion, projection, rotation, inspiration/lung volume, penetration and artifact.
A poor quality chest X-ray does not always need to be repeated. You should see if the clinical question can be answered and only request a repeat if the patient is likely to benefit.
You should assess the entire image even if is quickly seen to be less than perfect. Many technically sub-optimal chest X-rays show life-threatening abnormalities that require urgent action!
Tutorial Key Points
- Image quality influences conclusions
- Check the image for - Inclusion, Projection, Rotation, Inspiration, Penetration and Artifact
- Quality is influenced by radiographic technique and patient factors
- Check to see if a poor quality X-ray demonstrates a life threatening abnormality before dismissing it
- Can the clinical question still be answered?