What types of artifacts may occur in radiographic images?

Artifacts in radiographic images can stem from various sources, and the most comprehensive understanding includes exposure artifacts, processing artifacts, and equipment-related artifacts.

Exposure artifacts are caused by the way the radiation interacts with the imaging receptor during the exposure process. These can arise due to improper positioning, motion of the patient or the equipment, or issues such as inadequate exposure time.

Processing artifacts, on the other hand, occur during the development of the radiographic image. If the chemical processing is not performed correctly, or if there are issues in the digital image processing algorithms, this can lead to artifacts such as ghosting or uneven densities.

Equipment-related artifacts can arise from malfunctions or limitations of the imaging equipment itself, such as miscalibrated devices or defects in the imaging plates or sensors.

Recognizing that all these types of artifacts can influence the quality and diagnostic value of radiographic images is critical for quality control in radiographic practices. This understanding emphasizes the importance of rigorous protocol adherence when conducting radiographic procedures, ensuring optimal conditions from exposure to processing, and maintaining equipment standards.