RAD 122 - Digital Imaging

Credits: 1
Instructional Contact Hours: 1

Provides an introduction to basic digital imaging concepts, systems, and techniques needed to provide quality diagnostic radiographs.

Prerequisite(s): RAD 100, RAD 105, RAD 105L, RAD 108W, RAD 130, RAD 130L, LW 206A each with a “C” (2.0) minimum grade
Corequisite(s): RAD 110, RAD 110L, RAD 120W, RAD 150, RAD 150L, RAD 205W, RAD 215, RAD 215L, LWA 206B, LWA 206C
Lecture Hours: 15 Lab Hours: 0
Meets MTA Requirement: None
Pass/NoCredit: No

Outcomes and Objectives

Demonstrate an understanding of Digital Radiography
1. Describe various digital radiography image receptor and detector systems.
2. Explain critical elements used in the different digital radiography systems.
3. Discuss limitations inherent in each of the currently available digital radiography systems.
4. Describe the process by which the digital radiography histogram is acquired and the display algorithm is applied to the collected data.
5. Explain why digital radiography systems have significantly greater latitude than conventional film-screen radiography systems.
6. Analyze elements of digital radiography systems that make them prone to ALARA radiation protection concepts.
7. Explain the causes of several digital radiography artifact problems.
Describe digital imaging processing.
1. Describe the differences between analog and digital computers.
2. Describe the differences between programs and data.
3. State reasons why binary machine code is used in place of other languages.
4. Describe the basic function of a central processing unit, read-only memory, and random-access memory.
5. Describe the basic function of various memory storage and input and output devices.
6. Explain the basic function of an array processor.
7. Describe the process of digital image data acquisition.
8. Describe the effects of frequency, contrast, and noise on digital image quality.
9. Explain the function of digital image window level and width controls.
10. Describe various factors that directly affect digital image resolution.
11. Explain the digital subtraction process and various filtering techniques.
Apply basic digital imaging management techniques and concepts.
1. Discuss advantages of using PACS in a medical imaging environment.
2. Explain why a PACS network may require a separate computer network from one used throughout an institution.
3. Describe the various types of laser printers that can be used for digital images.
4. Explain soft-copy monitor display parameters.
5. Identify types of storage available for digital images.
6. Discuss the necessity for DICOM in medical imaging.
Demonstrate an understanding of digital information systems as utilized in radiology.
1. Define picture archiving and communications systems (PACS) in radiology.
2. Discuss the interrelationship of RIS, HIS, and PACS in radiology.
3. Discuss digital image processing and post processing.
4. Explain the significance of window level in digital systems.
5. Define digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM).