Ms. Rida Hilal Wani, J. Joel Martin , Dr. Rohith J.R, D. Guruprakash, Danish Qadir Wani, JJ.Jowin Adams
INDIAN JOURNAL OF ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCE (IJAHS)
Volume 2,
Issue 3, 2026,
Pages 294 - 304
Background: Chest radiography is one of the most frequently performed diagnostic imaging examinations, and optimal image quality is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective patient management. Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic quality of chest posteroanterior (PA) radiographs using standardized image quality assessment criteria.
Materials and Methods: A prospective cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Radiology, Aarupadai Veedu Medical College and Hospital, Puducherry. A total of 480 chest PA radiographs obtained over six months were evaluated for anatomical coverage, penetration, inspiration adequacy, and scapular positioning. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: Adequate anatomical coverage, penetration, inspiration, and scapular positioning were observed in 408 (85.0%), 374 (77.9%), 394 (82.1%), and 355 (74.0%) radiographs, respectively. Overall, 190 (39.6%) radiographs fulfilled all four quality criteria.
Conclusion: Although individual quality parameters were satisfactory, fewer than half of the radiographs met all predefined quality criteria, highlighting the need for continuous quality assurance, standardized imaging protocols, and regular radiographer training to improve diagnostic image quality.
Diagnostic image quality, Chest PA radiograph, Chest posteroanterior radiography, Radiographic image quality, Chest X-ray evaluation, Digital radiography, Quality assurance, Radiographic positioning, Medical imaging, Radiology, Diagnostic radiography, Tertiary care hospital, Puducherry, Prospective cross-sectional study, X-ray quality assessment, Chest imaging, Radiographic criteria, Medical imaging technology, Allied Health Sciences
