Introduction.

Digital radiography now able to use the electronic collimation on images after acquisition. This may seem convenient in paediatric imaging, but we have to be aware that electronic collimation has two major downsides. Electronic collimation implicates that the original field size should have been smaller and the patient has been exposed to unnecessary radiation. Also, by use of electronic collimation, potentially important information may be lost. (Bomer, Wiersma-Deijl and Holscher, 2013)

levels of radiation exposure depend on the use of collimation(Ghobadifar and Zarei, 2013)

Collimation decreased radiation exposure and maintained the quality of image. Hereby, the proper use of collimation will be useful to both patients and operators.

This clinical audit poster shows data for using electronic collimation after x ray done and how that can affect the image appearance.

Aim.

To evaluate the quality of image delivered also to reducing x ray dose.

Objectives.

To determine how many radiographers using the collimation after the x ray done.

To see which examination the radiographer using the collimation more.

Methodology

Data collection method.

Data were collected randomly from General x-ray department by seeing the images on PACS* system (A picture archiving and communication system). (PACS) is a medical imaging technology which provides economical storage and convenient access to images from multiple modalities.

Results.

From 30 images ,19 out of 30 the radiographers not using the collimation on the computer but 11 images the collimation was used.

Conclusion.

This poster discusses the use of electronic collimation in digital imaging. The ability to electronically collimate an image after acquisition carries the risk of overexposure., we can use electronic collimation to optimise image quality. However, the original images should always be sent to the PACS as they may contain critically important information and the patient has the right to all information at all times (Bomer, Wiersma-Deijl and Holscher, 2013)

Recommendations for practice:

A more descript vie assessment of using a collimator on the computer after the x-ray done

May be useful to improve the radiographer skill and also to reduce the x ray dose