A study of pelvic radiography image quality in a Nigerian teaching hospital based on the Commission of European Communities (CEC) criteria

Authors

  • Grace Ben Inah Department of Radiology, University of Calabar
  • Akintunde O Akintomide Department of Radiology, University of Calabar
  • Usang Usang Edim Department of Radiography & Radiological Science
  • Christian Nzotta Department of Radiography & Radiological Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
  • Nneoyi O Egbe Department of Radiography & Radiological Sciences, University of Calabar, alabar,

Keywords:

Image criteria, optimization, quality control

Abstract

Purpose To assess subjectively the image quality (IQ) of pelvic radiographic examinations in a Nigerian university teaching hospital, using the Commission of European Communities (CEC) image criteria in order to establish base data for image optimization in pelvic radiography.

Materials and method A retrospective study was undertaken of 194 AP pelvis radiographs (period 2000 to 2008) that were housed in the radiographic film library of the University of Calabar teaching hospital. Eighty-six male and 108 female pelvis radiographs were subjectively evaluated by two experienced radiologists and two radiographers. They independently evaluated the radiographic technical parameters of optical density, beam collimation, patient position, correct use of gonad shields and use of anatomical markers. Ranked scoring from 1-4 was used for the study: 1 indicated low image quality (IQ) and 4 indicated high IQ. Radiographic technical parameters were assessed as good (G), fair (F) and poor/none. Coefficient of variability was used to check intra-reader consistency while agreement between the raters was determined by Cohen Kappa statistic.

Result Good image performance was 68% of the radiographs as all the criteria for good quality images were met. Evidence from the assessment of radiographic technical parameters showed that 43% of the sampled radiographs were flawed with respect to optical density measurements. All radiographs studied did not show evidence of the use of gonad shields and only 1% of all radiographs had adequate beam collimation.

Conclusion The results are indicative of the need for optimization of radiographic procedures, particularly radiographic technique, to address observed areas of deficiency. Implementation of a quality control process would facilitate this.

Author Biographies

Grace Ben Inah, Department of Radiology, University of Calabar

Senior Lecturer/Consultant Radiologist

Akintunde O Akintomide, Department of Radiology, University of Calabar

COnsultant Radiologist/Lecturer 1

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Published

2013-12-02

Issue

Vol. 51 No. 2 (2013)

Section

Original Articles

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