Computed Tomography

Abstract

This subject provides the student with a detailed understanding of the principles and practice of Computed Tomography (CT). The subject explores the physics and instrumentation of CT, techniques and protocols employed in CT, and clinical applications utilised for CT in clinical practice. The subject also explores relevant regulations, quality assurance, department planning and radiation/hazard protection involved in the application of CT. The subject specifically provides insight and understanding into stand-alone CT devices, hybrid CT devices (SPECT/CT, PET/CT), CT for therapeutic use (planning and verification) and innovative CT designs.

Syllabus

CT principles;CT instrumentation;Patient preparation and care;Basic protocols and procedures;Reconstruction, data manipulation and display (including 3D);Radiation safety and dose minimisation;Hybrid systems; andQuality control and quality assurance

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

be able to explain radiation risks, international best practice and statutory requirements for CT, and plan / strategies to control and minimise risk, recognising and describing appropriate safety management in the workplace, explaining legislative and regulatory requirements for managing radiation and incidents, and applying and explaining the principles of ALARA and TDS (MRPBA Domain 5.1);

be able to recognise, describe and apply knowledge of radiation physics and instrumentation to operate CT systems safely and effectively (MRPBA Domain 1B.4a);

be able to understand, explain and apply principles for appropriate CT parameters and dose based on patient presentation (MRPBA Domain 1B.4b-c, 1.4 and 1.5);

be able to describe, explain, evaluate and develop CT protocols in a collaborative manner (MRPBA Domain 1B.4d and 3.2);

be able to understand, explain and apply principles for contrast and non-contrast CT performance, and demonstrate capacity to modify protocol where appropriate (MRPBA Domain 1B.4e and 1.3);

be able to explain the reconstructions and use of 3D datasets including demonstrating management of data (MRPBA Domain 1B.4f and 1.2);

be able to perform quality control of 3D datasets, identify limitations and recognise artefacts in 3D datasets, including identifying and reporting artefacts that represent urgent or unexpected findings (MRPBA Domain 1.2);

be able to implement techniques for patient/client stabilisation and reproducibility of procedures and outcomes (MRPBA Domain 1.6); and

be able to explain and apply the principles of evidence based practice and professional learning with specific reference to critical thinking, analytical appraisal and reflective skills related to clinical imaging, problem solving and decision making (MRPBA Domain 4.1).

Assumed knowledge

MRS120 Professional FundamentalsMRS121 Introductory Medical Radiation SciencePHY115 Physics of Medical Radiation Science

Enrolment restrictions

Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Diagnostic Radiography)
Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging)
Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Radiation Therapy)

Master of Medical Radiation Science (with specialisations)

Pre-requisite