Causes of Reject and Repeat of Digital Radiographic Images: A Literature Review to Guide the Practice of Radiography in Zambia

Abstract

Background: Radiographers aim at always improving the quality of imaging services through the production of high-quality diagnostic images, whilst minimising the radiation doses to patients and reducing healthcare costs. One strategy used in achieving this is conducting periodical reject and repeat image analysis.
Objective: The aim of this study was to review the causes of rejection and repetition of digital radiographic images to guide the practice of radiography in Zambia.
Methods: A literature search was conducted in January 2021 in PubMed/MEDLINE and ScienceDirect electronic databases. The search was extended to reference lists of eligible articles and radiography journals.
Results: Seven research studies and clinical audits were identified to be relevant and included in this review. Six causes of rejection and repetition of digital radiographic images were identified: patient positioning errors, inappropriate selection of technical exposure factors, patient motion, presence of artefacts, improper collimation of the radiographic beam, and absence of permanent anatomical side markers (ASM). Amongst these factors, patient positioning error was the most common reason for rejecting and repeating digital
images.
Conclusion: The review found the overall image rejection rate to be within the acceptable range in digital radiography. This review's findings can guide the practice of radiography in Zambia as the transition takes place from traditional film-based radiography to digital radiography (DR) imaging systems.

Keywords: Digital radiography, Radiographic image, Radiographer, Reject analysis