RADON 106 - Imaging and Processing in Radiation Oncology

• Describe the various types of digital receptors distinguishing between cassette-based systems and cassette-less systems using terminology associated with digital imaging systems.
• Describe the components and the operation of a conventional simulator.
• Compare the advantages and limits of each digital imaging detector, evaluate the spatial resolution and dose effectiveness.
• Describe the fundamental physical principles of exposure for digital detectors.
• Describe the selection of technical factors to ensure appropriate receptor exposure, and relate the receptor exposure indicator values to technical factors, part/beam/plate alignment and patient exposure.
• Describe image acquisition precautions necessary for digital imaging to include background and scatter radiation, and errors associated with grid cutoff and Moiré effect.
• Describe the various image processing employed for digital images and common limitations and technical problems encountered when using digital imaging systems.
• Examine the potential impact of digital imaging systems on patient exposure and methods of practicing the as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) concept with digital systems.
• Describe picture archiving and communications system (PACS), digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) and their functions.
• Apply techniques to enhance image details and reduce image distortion, and analyze relationships of factors affecting image contrast, density and resolution to determine optimal image quality for a conventional simulator.
• Determine artifact types, cause and preventive measures needed for soft copy images and hardcopy films.
• Explain the basic principles of image formation for each of the following modalities: MR, CT, ultrasound and nuclear medicine. 

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