title: Radiographers are valuable contributors in interpreting computed tomography colonography.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Computed tomography colonography (CTC) is the primary radiological examination for detection of colorectal cancer and premalignant polyps. It is a complex technique that requires special training and experience of both the radiographers performing the colonography and the radiologists who interpret the results. The considerable number of CTC performed means that interpretation of the examinations is a time-consuming task for radiologists. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of radiographers who received a training programme in colon diagnosing.
  
  
  METHODS
  During the period from December 2014 to May 2015, 126 patients underwent CTC screening or diagnostics. The colon was interpreted by both a radiographer and an experienced radiologist. Subsequently, results were compared and consensus established.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 100 patients were included, six polyps (6-9 mm), one polyp (≥ 10 mm), four cancer suspect areas and four second opinions. The result was nine true positives, three false positives, no false negatives and 84 true negatives corresponding to a negative predictive value of 1.000 and an accuracy of 0.969.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study shows that radiographers can be a valuable contribution in the interpretation of CTC.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  This study was funded by Marie Pedersen and Jensine Heiberg's legat, Vendsyssel Hospital, Denmark.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  not relevant.
authors.affiliation: hath@rn.dk.
authors.forename: Hanne
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Thomsen
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Egelund
authors.forename: Joanna-Edyta
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Strozik
authors.forename: Morten
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vuust
mesh_terms: D000488:Allied Health Personnel / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards*; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003111:Colonic Polyps / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D023881:Colonography, Computed Tomographic; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D006801:Humans; D024382:Professional Role; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography / Q000592:standards; D011871:Radiology / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards; D000078329:Workforce