Reject analysis in digital radiography: A local study on radiographers and students’ attitude in Iran

Reject analysis is as a quality indicator and critical tool for dose and image quality optimization in radiology departments. By reducing image rejection rate (RR), radiation dose to patients can be reduced effectively, yielding increased total cost-effectiveness. The aims of this study were to assess the rate of image rejection at 2 direct digital radiography (DR) departments to find the sources of rejection and to observe how radiology students and radiographers deal with image rejection. Two radiology departments were surveyed during a 3-month period for all imaging procedures. Type of examination, numbers, and reasons for digital image rejection were obtained by systems and questionnaire. A predefined questionnaire, including 13 causes for rejection, was filled by radiographers and students. Out of the 14 022 acquired images, 1116 were rejected, yielding an overall RR of 8%. Highest RRs were found for examination of cervical spine and lumbosacral. Positioning errors and improper patient preparation were the main reasons for digital image rejection. The image RR was small, but there is a need for optimizing radiographic practice, and enhancing radiographer’s knowledge may enhance the performance.