Computed Tomography Technologist Practice Exam

The first module of the ACR CT accreditation phantom is designed to evaluate CT accuracy and slice thickness. This is a critical aspect of CT scanning, as accuracy ensures that the images produced reflect the true anatomy and structures within the body, while appropriate slice thickness is essential for producing high-quality images.

Slice thickness directly affects spatial resolution, the ability to distinguish small structures within the image. Ensuring that the CT system is accurately calibrated to achieve specified slice thickness is vital for obtaining diagnostic-quality images. By evaluating these parameters in the accreditation process, the ACR ensures that the CT equipment meets established standards for clinical use, which ultimately contributes to patient safety and effective diagnosis.

Other parameters, such as spatial resolution, contrast resolution, and image noise, are also important in evaluating CT performance; however, they are tested in different modules of the phantom evaluation. Focusing on accuracy and slice thickness in the first module sets a solid foundation for subsequent assessments of these other imaging characteristics.