CTG 215 - Principles of CT

1. Discuss the discovery of computed tomography and its evolution.
2. List the CT computer data processing steps.
3. Differentiate between analog to digital conversion and digital to analog conversion.
4. Describe the data acquisition system.
5. Discuss the methods to acquiring data in CT.
6. Distinguish between raw data and image data.

II. Describe the components of the CT imaging system.

III. Explain the functions of collimators in CT.

IV. List the CT computer data processing steps.

V. Define algorithm and explain its impact on image scan factors and reconstruction.

VI. Define raw data and image data.

VII. Describe the following terms in relation to the CT data acquisition process: Pixel, Matrix, Voxel, Linear attenuation coefficient, CT/Hounsfield number, Partial volume averaging, Window width (ww) and window level (wl), Spatial resolution, Contrast resolution, Noise, Annotation, and Region of interest (ROI).

VIII. Name the common controls found on CT operator consoles and describe how and why each is used.

IX. Identify the types and appearance of artifacts most commonly affecting CT images.

X. Name the radiation protection devices that can be used to reduce patient dose in CT and describe the correct application of each.

XI. Describe the general purpose of commonly performed CT studies.

XII. Discuss general radiation safety and protection practices associated with examinations in CT.

XIII. Describe the various types of digital receptors.

XIV. Describe the response of digital detectors to exposure variations.

XV. Compare the advantages and limits of each receptor type.

XVI. Evaluate the spatial resolution and dose effectiveness for digital radiography detectors.

XVII. Describe the histogram and the process or histogram analysis as it relates to automatic rescaling and determining an exposure indicator.

XVIII. Relate the receptor exposure indicator values to technical factors, system calibration, part/beam/plate alignment, and patient exposure.

XIX. Describe the response of PSP systems to background and scatter radiation.

XX. Use appropriate means of scatter control.

XXI. Avoid grid use errors associated with grid cutoff and Moiré effect.

XXII. Identify common limitations and technical problems encountered when using PSP systems.

XXIII. Employ appropriate beam/part/receptor alignment to avoid histogram analysis errors.

XXIV. Associate impact of image processing parameters to the image appearance.

XXV. Apply the fundamental principles to digital detectors.

XXVI. Evaluate the effect of a given exposure change on histogram shape, data width, and image appearance.

XXVII. Describe the conditions that cause quantum mottle in a digital image.

XXVIII. Formulate a procedure or process to minimize histogram analysis and rescaling errors.

XXIX. Examine the potential impact of digital radiographic systems on patient exposure and methods of practicing the as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) concept with digital systems.

XXX. Describe picture archival and communications system (PACS) and its function.

XXXI. Identify components of a PACS.

XXXII. Define digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM).

XXXIII. Describe HIPAA concerns with electronic information.

XXXIV. Identify common problems associated with retrieving/viewing images.

PowerPoint/Lecture: 40-50%

Discussions: 20-30%

Activities: 20-30%

Research: 10-20%

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Discussion Questions               

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Essay Project                           

Final Exam