6 Types of Radiographic Artifacts and How to Prevent Them

Radiographic artifacts

Any unintended opacity or lucency visible on the image that impairs the quality of the image or may render the image un-seeable

Radiographic artifacts are unwanted or unexpected appearances on a radiographic image that can obscure or distort the anatomical structures being imaged. They can be caused by technical errors during image acquisition, processing, or interpretation. Here are some common types of radiographic artifacts and their causes:

1. Motion blur: This is caused by patient movement during the image acquisition process. It can result in a blurry image that makes it difficult to see anatomical structures. Ways to prevent motion blur include having the patient hold still or using immobilization devices like sandbags or straps.

2. Grid lines: These are visible lines on the image that result from using a grid that is not properly aligned. Grid lines can be eliminated by ensuring that the grid and the image plane are parallel, and by placing the grid at the appropriate distance from the patient.

3. Double exposure: This occurs when a radiographic image is exposed twice, resulting in a superimposed image. It can be caused by forgetting to reset the imaging system after an exposure, or by accidentally exposing the same area twice.

4. Equipment malfunction: Equipment malfunctions can result in a variety of artifacts, such as underexposure, overexposure, or image distortion. Regular maintenance and calibration can help prevent equipment malfunctions.

5. Processing errors: This can include errors in chemical mixing or temperature, or in setting exposure times. Processing errors can result in artifacts such as fogging, streaking, or image distortion.

6. Foreign objects: Foreign objects present on or inside the patient can result in image artifacts. Examples include jewelry, clothing, or prostheses. It is important to instruct patients to remove such objects before undergoing imaging.

To minimize radiographic artifacts, it is important to follow proper imaging protocols and procedures, use high-quality equipment, and ensure that patients are properly prepared for imaging. Additionally, routine image quality checks can help identify and correct any potential artifacts.

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