Cross Sectional Imaging - Scanner Operation and Parameter Selection

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to scanner operations and parameter selection in cross-sectional imaging.

Protocol Selection

The process of choosing the appropriate settings and parameters for cross-sectional imaging based on the clinical question and patient characteristics.

Spatial Resolution

The ability to distinguish small separate objects that are significantly different from their background in a CT image.

mAs (milliampere-seconds)

A unit representing the total number of X-ray photons produced during a scan, affecting image quality and radiation dose.

Temporal Resolution

The ability to resolve fast-moving objects in imaging, comparable to the shutter speed of a camera.

Kilovoltage (kV)

The level of electrical potential used in X-ray imaging, affecting the penetration of photons and thus the image quality and radiation dose.

Field of View (FOV)

The specific area that is being imaged; it can include entire organs or specific regions of interest.

Voxels

Three-dimensional pixels representing a volume of information in a CT image.

Pitch

The distance the CT table travels in one rotation divided by the slice thickness, impacting image quality and radiation exposure.

Resolution at Low Contrast

The ability to differentiate small differences in density between various objects and their background in imaging.

Kernels

Algorithms applied to CT images after data acquisition to enhance resolution and improve image quality.