To investigate the effects of image postprocessing functions (ie, edge enhancement, noise reduction, and sharpening) that are available on digital radiography systems, including computed radiography (CR) and direct digital radiography (DDR), for detection of wooden, soft tissue foreign bodies. Dorsoplantar and lateral porcine foot radiographs with 4 lengths of wooden foreign bodies (no foreign bodies, 2 mm, 5 mm, and 10 mm) placed 1 mm (superficial) and 1 cm (deep) below the skin were acquired by CR and DDR systems using 10 exposure factors. Images were postprocessed to produce 960 images, including original CR, original DDR, sharpened CR, sharpened DDR, edge-enhanced DDR, and noised-reduced DDR images. Contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR) were used for objective assessments of foreign body visibility on the images. Six Australian radiologic technologists were recruited to review selected images. Australia allows radiologic technologists to provide initial comments on plain radiographs with the supervision of a radiologist. Technologists rated the visibility of foreign bodies using a 4-point scale to determine diagnostic performances of different image receptor and postprocessing types. Means, standard deviations, analyses of variance, and intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated for statistical analyses. Among the CR and DDR images with and without postprocessing, the edge-enhanced DDR images had the highest overall mean CNR value (3.39, P = .003) and sensitivity (35.13%). The sensitivity of the edge-enhanced DDR images for detecting the 10 mm foreign body was 43.33%. Edge-enhanced DDR can be considered an additional tool for suspected wooden, soft tissue foreign body diagnoses in rural areas where digital radiography is the only available imaging modality. This would allow some patients in rural areas to avoid long-distance travel to access sonography or computed tomography to detect foreign bodies, which could minimize emotional, financial, and social costs. This study shows that the image postprocessing function of the DDR system can detect wooden, soft tissue foreign bodies. Edge enhancement, specifically, can improve wooden, soft tissue foreign body detection, especially for large foreign bodies (≥ 10 mm).

To explain the kinetics of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs), where they leave deposits, and whether they ever leave the body. A literature search was conducted using databases such as Academic Search Premier, EBSCO Host, PubMed, Radiological Society of North America, and Google Scholar. Studies pertaining to various GBCAs, their depositions, and their adverse effects were reported. GBCAs were deposited in the skin, brain, dentate nucleus, globus pallidus, and thalamus. Common adverse effects of GBCAs included headache, joint pain, torso pain, weakness and fatigue, and cloudy mentation. GBCAs should be avoided when not necessary, and the physician ordering the contrast should understand the benefits vs the risks for each patient. Although there is evidence of depositions of GBCA, it remains clinically acceptable to administer this contrast when there is an indication. The clinical indication for the GBCA, the type of agent, the dose, and other important information should be documented in the patient's medical record after administration. The effects of gadolinium retention are still not understood fully and require future investigation. This literature review helped to show that all GBCAs-linear, nonionic, ionic, and macrocyclic contrast agents-leave deposits in the brain that show up on medical images. Further research should be conducted to assess possible links between depositions in the body and adverse effects.

To investigate the level of noise that magnetic resonance (MR) technologists are exposed to during daily tasks, and prevalence of hearing loss among MR technologists. Decibel levels at the scanner control panel were measured and recorded at clinical facilities. A survey was distributed to MR technologists, which included questions about demographics, workplace habits, and self-reported hearing loss. Technologists are exposed to decibel levels higher than U.S. government recommended occupational limits; however, these are for very short periods, resulting in an average projected 8-hour noise dose of 1.68%. Statistical analysis of survey results showed no association between time spent working in an MR imaging department (P = .111); however, results did show an association between entering the scan room during image acquisition and hearing loss (P = .005). At times, technologists are exposed to decibel levels exceeding the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommended limits; however, the average findings indicate that there is a low risk of hearing damage from working at the control panel. Statistical analysis revealed an association between entering the scan room and hearing loss; therefore, individuals entering the scan room for any reason should be wearing hearing protection, even for short periods. Risks of exposure to high occupational decibel levels should be monitored continually. This study provides a foundation for future research studies, such as longitudinal analysis of hearing loss in MR technologists.

Historically, medical imaging programs have consisted of traditional learning styles including face-to-face didactic instruction with hands-on learning in simulation laboratories, where imaging equipment and phantoms are used to mimic patient procedures. However, COVID-19 has helped to expedite the transition to supplement or replace traditional learning styles with computer-based learning.1 Many medical imaging and radiation therapy educational programs are transitioning to distance learning and simulated laboratories for a variety of reasons. Wertz et al argued that traditional pedagogical techniques are not suited for modern adult learners in the radiologic sciences because today’s adult learners have experienced some form of higher education through self-paced learning environments. A selfpaced learning environment consists of feedback that is learner-controlled and given in real-time.2 Educators are using pedagogical innovation in the profession as well as adapting to modern learning theories by transforming traditional programs into hybrid programs consisting of face-to-face and distance learning methods.1 With this progression in radiologic science education methods, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) provided guidelines for programs implementing distance learning methods that require programs to have procedures for maintaining the integrity of distance education courses.3 In addition, JRCERT encourages innovation in education, including the delivery of distance education.3 A distance education checklist in accordance with the 2021 JRCERT Standards for an Accredited Educational Program is available for program faculty and site visitors. © 2021, Radiologic Technology. All Rights Reserved.

The article highlights the strategies employed by the New York University (NYU) Langone Health Radiology Department to prevent technologist burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic Topics discussed include the sources of technologist anxiety such as access to appropriate personal protective equipment and access to childcare or eldercare for increased work hours and school closures, effect of strategies on staff morale and well-being, and the importance of the emotional resilience of technologists