Basics of Film Processing in Medical Imaging
Author: Arthur Haus & Susan JaskulskiISBN: 9780944838785
Published: 1997 | 338 pp |
OUT OF PRINT
RT Imaging | November 24, 1997
'The paradox of imaging is that although processing is the weakest link in the chain, it is also the one that has been the most neglected.'--Laszlo Tabar, MD, director, Department of Mammography, Falun Central Hospital, Sweden
"The above quote, taken from the foreword to The Basics of Film Processing in Medical Imaging, is at the center of the book's purpose. Because of the sensitivity of mammographic exposure and processing, there are so many variables to contend with if we want to maintain a high degree of accuracy. Tabar goes on to say that the opposing demands of improved image quality and reduced radiation dose have necessitated a thorough review of the entire process. And he commends authors Arthur G. Haus and Susan M. Jaskulski for their qualifications and expert handling of this new and ever-more complex information.
"This resource can be appreciated by radiologic science students, instructors, technologists, radiologists, medical physicists and processor service personnel. It not only provides an excellent overview of the principles of film chemistry, and processing, but enumerates how to solve problems that may occur in the medical imaging environment.
"Each chapter begins with a bulleted outline of its contents and contains a history or background of that particular aspect, such as film (chapter one), chemicals (chapter two) and processors (chapter three). Because of the complex nature of today's processors, combining chemical, mechanical, thermal, electrical and micro-computers, chapter three contains an especially helpful section entitled 'Preventative Maintenance and Cleaning.' Chapter four discusses image quality and how it relates to the H&D curve (a curve resulting from a plot of optical density versus log exposure, proposed by Hurter and Driffield in 1890). This leaves the reader with a very clear understanding of film contrast, subject contrast, and latitutde. Chapter five offers an overview of processor quality control. The last two chapters are devoted to helping the technologist solve artifact and film processing problems . There are troubleshooting guides, charts that help solve sensitometric changes in your processor, and actual artifact images with a diagram of the processor and explanation of where the artifact occurred
"The Basics of Film Procesin Medical Imaging is 340 pages, contains references, a glossary and is illustrated with more than 170 photos, line drawings and charts. It is full of practical information for every member of the medical imaging team. The historic background is great for instructors and students alike and the processing, chemistry, and image quality chapters would be great in the classroom. The troubleshooting guide and artifact analysis is exactly what technologists need to aid them with processing and artifact problems. The book is very well written and easy to understand. It will be on my shelf and used as my first reference whenever there is an imaging problem."
Carol J. Monut, RT, (R)
Carol J. Mount, RT, (R) is a medical imaging technical specialist at the Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota.Back to Top