Abstract:
Radiographic imaging is an essential tool in modern medicine, providing
critical diagnostic information. However, the quality of these images can be
compromised by various factors leading to rejection, which in turn affects
patient management and increases healthcare costs. The findings from this
study will be used in planning and implementing improved diagnostic
accuracy, reducing the operational burden and cost on healthcare facilities.
This study investigates the rejection rate of digital radiographs in a tertiary
hospital in North Central Nigeria, aiming to identify common causes and
distribution patterns by body part, sex, and age. A comprehensive
retrospective analysis of 299 radiographic examinations over a period of 6
months was carried out by a certified radiologist. The study revealed a
rejection rate of 10.37%. The most frequent reasons for rejection included
poor positioning, incomplete images, and cut-off errors. The study also
found slight variations in rejection rates between males and females and
between children and adults. Notably, the chest radiographs exhibited the
highest rejection rate, primarily due to positioning issues. These findings
underscore the need for improved training and quality control measures to
enhance the overall quality of radiographic imaging and patient care.