Mammography, Bone Densitometry, and Quality Control

Radiography Theory

Materials Included

Text
Video
Anatomy
Quiz

This module provides an overview of mammography and bone densitometry, enhanced forms of X-ray technology that are used, respectively, to examine breast tissue and measure bone loss.

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This module provides an overview of mammography and bone densitometry, enhanced forms of X-ray technology that are used, respectively, to examine breast tissue and measure bone loss. The module also discusses quality management programs for radiographic imaging. It offers students and practitioners an understanding of the technology and techniques involved in mammography and bone densitometry, and important considerations for effective radiographic quality control. This module is an ideal resource if you are studying for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists® (ARRT) registry exam.

You’ll learn

how to differentiate between soft tissue and conventional radiography
to identify the technology involved in mammography
to describe the procedural requirements for conducting a mammogram
to describe the technology involved and procedural considerations for conducting bone density scanning
to identify the components of an effective quality management program
how to identify the common causes of image artifacts and how they can be prevented or minimized
much more (see “content details” for more specific information)

Introduction

Step 1 - Mammography

Step 1.1 - Soft-tissue radiography

Step 1.2 - Basis for mammography

Step 1.3 - Mammographic imaging system

Step 1.4 - Film-screen mammography

Step 1.5 - Computed radiography mammography

Step 1.6 - Digital mammography

Step 1.7 - Stereotactic breast biopsy

Step 2 - Mammography quality control

Step 2.1 - Roles of the mammography quality control team

Step 2.2 - Quality control program

Step 2.2.1 - Daily quality control (QC) tasks for a film-screen unit

Step 2.2.2 - Weekly QC tasks for a film-screen unit

Step 2.2.3 - Monthly tasks for a film-screen unit

Step 2.2.4 - Quarterly tasks for a film-screen unit

Step 2.2.5 - Semiannual tasks for a film-screen unit

Step 2.2.6 - Quality control (QC) tasks for a digital mammography unit

Step 2.2.7 - Routine QC tests for a computed radiography (CR) mammography system

Step 3 - Bone densitometry

Step 3.1 - Introduction

Step 3.2 - Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA or DEXA)

Step 4 - Quality control

Step 4.1 - Quality assurance

Step 4.2 - Quality control

Step 4.3 - Radiographic quality control

Step 4.4 - Fluoroscopic quality control

Step 4.5 - Tomographic quality control

Step 4.6 - Processor quality control

Step 5 - Image artifacts

Step 5.1 - Exposure factors

Step 5.2 - Processor artifacts

Step 5.3 - Handling and storage artifacts

Discuss the differences between soft tissue radiography and conventional radiography
Identify the recommended intervals for self-examination and x-ray examination of the breast
Describe the unique features of the mammographic imaging system
Describe the image receptors used and spatial resolution obtained in mammography
Explain the differences between diagnostic and screening mammography
Describe the unique features of a bone density system
Differentiate between quality improvement/management, quality assurance, and quality control
List the benefits of a quality management program, to the patient and to the department
List elements of a quality management program and discuss how each is related to the quality management program
Discuss the proper test equipment/procedures for evaluating the operation of the x-ray generator
Evaluate the performance of the x-ray generator

The SIMTICS modules are all easy to use and web-based. This means they are available at any time as long as the learner has an internet connection. No special hardware or other equipment is required, other than a computer mouse for use in the simulations. Each of the SIMTICS modules covers one specific procedure or topic in detail. Each module contains:

an online simulation (available in Learn and Test modes)
descriptive text, which explains exactly how to perform that particular procedure including key terms and hyperlinks to references
2D images and a 3D model of applied anatomy for that particular topic
a step by step video demonstration by an expert
a quiz
a personal logbook that keeps track of all the modules the learner has studied and how long