Comparison of radiologists and technologists in the performance of air-contrast barium enemas.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine whether the rate of polyp detection and the quality of air-contrast barium enema (ACBE) procedures performed by technologists differ from those performed by radiologists.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results showed that well-trained certified technologists can perform ACBE similar in overall quality and accuracy to ACBE performed by attending physicians and residents. Training technologists to perform ACBE may help to alleviate the radiology staffing shortage in the United States.
Thompson
William M
WM
Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Erwin Rd., Box 3808, Durham, NC 27710, USA. thomp132@mc.duke.edu
Foster
William L
WL
Paulson
Erik K
EK
Niedzwiecki
Donna
D
Low
Vincent H S
VH
Fulford
Lori B
LB
Broomer
Bob W
BW
Sanders
Linda
L
Rockey
Don C
DC
D000388:Air; D001466:Barium Sulfate / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003111:Colonic Polyps / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004733:Enema / Q000379:methods*; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D006801:Humans; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013679:Technology, Radiologic; D000078329:Workforce
D003287:Contrast Media; D001466:Barium Sulfate