Revised 08/2022

RAD 141 - Principles of Radiographic Quality I (4 CR.)

Course Description

Presents factors that control and influence radiographic quality, as well as various technical conversion factors useful in radiography. Discusses automatic film processing, sensitometry, and quality assurance testing. Part I of II. Lecture 3 hours. Laboratory 3 hours. Total 6 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

Introduces the principles of x-ray production and image formation in a CR/DR imaging system. Teaches the definitions and interrelationships of optical density, image contrast and recorded detail and how they impact the quality of a radiographic image. Teaches the influences of a variety of technical factors, to include milliampere- seconds, kilovoltage, source-image distance, object-image distance, grid ratio, collimation, and other factors. Provides correlated practical laboratory exercises that demonstrate the radiographic principles described in the classroom lecture sessions.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

Prerequisite: Radiography Program Admission. Corequisites: RAD 121, RAD 125, and RAD 196

Course Objectives

Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:

  • Perform simple arithmetic and algebraic manipulations required to solve technical problems in radiography.
  • Diagram the production of characteristic x-rays and bremsstrahlung x-rays.
  • Identify the two principle interactions that can occur between a photon and matter that are important in radiographic image production.
  • Compare the contributions of the photographic effect and the Compton effect to the quality and formation of a radiographic image.
  • Distinguish between x-ray quantity and x-ray quality.
  • Describe how changes in x-ray quantity and x-ray quality alter the appearance of a radiographic image.
  • Discuss the undesirable effects of scatter radiation on the radiographic image.
  • Describe the rationale and the proper use of grids in the control of scatter radiation.
  • Identify the three (3) principal exposure factors used by the technologist to control radiographic density and contrast.
  • Discuss the influence of each of the following factors on optical density, image contrast, and recorded detail:
    • Milliampere-seconds (mAs)
    • Kilovoltage (kVp)
    • Source-Image Distance (SID)
    • Object-Image Distance (OID)
    • Grid Ratio (GF)
    • Collimation
    • Focal Spot Size (FSS)
  • Discuss automatic exposure control and the advantages and disadvantages associated with it.

Major Topics to Be Included

  • A Review of Mathematics for Radiography
  • X-Ray Production
  • The Interaction of X-Rays with Matter
  • Radiographic Quality
  • Optical Density
  • Radiographic Contrast
  • Recorded Detail
  • Beam Restricting Devices
  • The Grid
  • Exposure Factor Relationships