This comprehensive guide shows how to reduce the need for repeat radiographs. It teaches how to carefully evaluate an image, how to identify the improper positioning or technique that caused a poor image, and how to correct the problem. This text equips radiographers with the critical thinking skills needed to anticipate and adjust for positioning and technique challenges before a radiograph is taken, so they can produce the best possible diagnostic quality radiographs.

• Provides a complete guide to evaluating radiographs and troubleshooting positioning and technique errors, increasing the likelihood of getting a good image on the first try.
• Offers step-by-step descriptions of all evaluation criteria for every projection along with explanations of how to reposition or adjust technique to produce an acceptable image.
• Familiarizes technologists with what can go wrong, so they can avoid retakes and reduce radiation exposure for patients and themselves.
• Provides numerous critique images for evaluation, so that readers can study poor images and understand what factors contributed to their production and what adjustments need to be made.
• Combines coverage of both positioning and technique errors, as these are likely to occur together in the clinical environment.
• Student workbook available for separate purchase for more practice with critique of radiographs.
• Provides Evolve website with a course management platform for instructors who want to post course materials online.

By Kathy McQuillen Martensen, RT(R), MA, Director of Radiologic Technology Education, Department of Radiology, The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA