AN ASSESSMENT OF IMAGE QUALITY OF RADIOGRAPHS IN A NIGERIAN TEACHING HOSPITAL BY FILM DENSITOMETRY

Background: 3000 radiographs covering chest, upper limb, lower limb, lumbar spine (AP) and skull (PA) from the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) were retrospectively studied by densitometry to assess the degree of variation in radiographic contrast over a ten year period (1999 – 2008). Results: The results show that variation in mean radiographic contrast from year to year was statistically insignificant (p < 0.05) for the respective projections studied. This result implies a relatively basic standardisation in image quality arising from consistency in technique acquired over time. Conclusion: The results would serve as a baseline for developing a more robust quality assurance programme in the hospital.