title: Reject analysis in direct digital radiography.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Reject analysis can be used as a quality indicator, and is an important tool in localizing areas where optimization is required. Reducing number of rejects is important yielding reduced patient exposure and increased cost-effectiveness.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To determine rejection rates and causes in direct digital radiography.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were collected during a three-month period in spring 2010 at two direct digital laboratories in Norway. All X-ray examinations, types, numbers, and reasons for rejections were obtained using automatic reject analysis software. Thirteen causes for rejection could be selected.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Out of the 27,284 acquired images, 3206 were rejected, yielding an overall rejection rate of 12%. Highest rejection rates were found for examination of knees, shoulders, and wrist. In all, 77% of the rejected images arose from positioning errors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An overall rejection rate of 12% indicates a need for optimizing radiographic practice in the department.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Sciences, Buskerud University College, Drammen, Norway. eivind.richter.andersen@sus.no
authors.forename: Eivind Richter
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Andersen
authors.forename: Jannike
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jorde
authors.forename: Nadia
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Taoussi
authors.forename: Sadia Halima
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Yaqoob
authors.forename: Bente
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Konst
authors.forename: Therese
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Seierstad
mesh_terms: D016477:Artifacts; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009664:Norway; D056888:Patient Positioning; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000592:standards*; D011872:Radiology Department, Hospital / Q000592:standards*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014962:X-Ray Film / Q000592:standards*; D014963:X-Ray Intensifying Screens / Q000592:standards*