Approximately what percentage of retakes are due to motion (respiratory or other)?

Motion-induced retakes in radiography are a significant aspect to consider in ensuring high-quality imaging. Studies and industry data suggest that approximately 11% of all retakes are attributed to motion, which includes both voluntary motion, such as moving due to discomfort or anxiety, and involuntary motion, such as breathing during exposure.

Understanding this statistic is crucial for radiologic technologists and operators because minimizing motion can greatly enhance the quality of radiographic images, reduce patient exposure to radiation, and improve workflow efficiency. Operators can implement techniques such as proper patient positioning, clear communication about breath-holding during exposures, and using faster imaging techniques to mitigate the possibility of motion-related retakes.

By recognizing that motion accounts for around 11% of retakes, professionals in the field can target training and protocols specifically to address this issue, ultimately leading to better outcomes in diagnostic imaging.