Course Description
Chest radiography remains the foundation of cardiothoracic imaging despite the diagnostic superiority and increasing availability of cross-sectional imaging techniques. The main advantages of chest radiographs are the speed at which the images can be acquired and interpreted, the low cost, availability, and low radiation exposure compared to cross-sectional imaging modalities. It also gives healthcare providers a great deal of pertinent clinical information. Upright chest radiographs still play an important role as a fast tool to rule out various cardiothoracic and pulmonary radiologic findings or to monitor treatment response. However, digital radiography (DR) has largely replaced film-screen radiography, which has led to the development of advanced imaging techniques such as dual-energy subtraction, digital tomosynthesis computer-aided detection (CAD), and dynamic imaging. Clinical practice guidelines and best practices have been developed for radiologic technologists (RTs) to ensure that optimal image quality is attained using the minimum appropriate radiation dose. These guidelines make practical and specific recommendations for many aspects of DR, including image acquisition, the use of radiation dose indicators, image processing and display, as well as data sharing, transmission, and storage. It is important that RTs work closely with radiologists, medical physicists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure the accuracy and safety of DR systems and their patients. This continuing education (CE) course provides a review of conventional analog chest radiography in addition to focusing on current types of chest DR techniques, including computed radiography, indirect flat panel detectors, direct flat-panel detectors, and lesser utilized slot-scanning charge-coupled device technology. Included in this course are proper patient and equipment positioning techniques for stationary and mobile chest radiography, normal anatomy, and common pathologic findings.

Learning Objectives
After reviewing the content, the participant should be able to:

• EXPLAIN how radiographic exposure is affected by milliamperes (mAs), kilovoltage peak (kVp), source-to-image receptor distance (SID), object-to-image distance (OID), grids, automatic exposure control, and other technical factors.
• DIFFERNETIATE the types of radiography and digital image capture devices/techniques used in chest digital radiography (DR).
• EXPLAIN the image acquisition and readout process for computed radiography as well as indirect and direct chest DR systems.
• SUMMARIZE the technical factors that make up a DR imaging system, including spatial resolution, dynamic range, electronic noise, and detective quantum efficiency.
• DISTINGUISH the factors that affect digital image quality and appearance.
• OUTLINE proper patient positioning techniques for upright and mobile chest radiography.
• ILLUSTRATE normal anatomy and common pathologic findings in chest radiography.
• EXPLAIN the role of proper exposure practices and radiation dose considerations in chest radiography.
• OUTLINE current technological advances in chest DR.

In order to receive CE credit, you must first complete the activity content. When completed, go to the "Take CE Test!" link to access the post-test.

Submit the completed answers to determine if you have passed the post-test assessment. You must answer 30 out of 40 questions correctly to receive the CE credit. You will have no more than 3 attempts to successfully complete the post-test.

Participants successfully completing the activity content and passing the post-test will receive 4.5 ARRT Category A credits.

Approved by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for ARRT Category A credit.

Approved by the state of Florida for ARRT Category A credit (for Technical credits).

Texas direct credit.

This activity may be available in multiple formats or from different sponsors. ARRT does not allow CE activities such as Internet courses, home study programs, or directed readings to be repeated for CE credit in the same biennium.