Localiser radiographs in CT: Current practice, radiation dose, image quality and clinical applications

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Radiation Physics

Background:

• Localiser radiographs are fundamental components of CT imaging procedures.
• Their specific functions and importance are often not fully understood by radiographers and radiologists.
• This review clarifies the comprehensive roles of localiser radiographs in modern CT.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review to elucidate the full spectrum of localiser radiograph applications and functions in contemporary CT imaging.
• To provide clarity on the often-obscure roles of these radiographs for healthcare professionals.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review methodology was employed.
• A systematic literature search was performed across MEDLINE, CINAHL, Emcare, and Scopus databases (January 2013 - December 2023).
• Data extraction involved two reviewers, with validation by a third; 36 studies were included.

Main Results:

• Three primary themes emerged: radiation dose management, image quality, and clinical protocol applications.
• The selection, number, and direction of localiser radiographs significantly influence patient dose and image quality.
• Patient positioning, exposure factors (kVp, mAs), and off-centring impact dose, image quality, and protocol accuracy.

Conclusions:

• Localiser radiographs possess diverse utilities in CT imaging.
• Radiographers and radiologists must comprehend their roles to optimize radiation dose and image quality.
• Awareness of positioning impacts and utilization for protocol optimization are critical for effective CT practice.