Common Artifacts in Radiography: What They Are and How to Avoid Them

Radiographic images are essential tools in modern medicine, used daily to diagnose fractures, infections, tumors, and countless other conditions. But sometimes, what appears on a radiograph isn’t actually part of the patient at all—it’s an artifact.

Artifacts in radiography are unwanted structures or features that appear on the image but don’t represent actual anatomy or pathology. They can mimic diseases, obscure critical information, or lead to misdiagnosis. Understanding what causes artifacts—and how to avoid them—is vital for radiographers, radiologists, and all professionals involved in medical imaging.

In this post, we’ll explore common artifacts in radiography, their causes, appearance, and how to prevent them.

📸 What Are Radiographic Artifacts?

An artifact is anything on a radiographic image that is not supposed to be there. Artifacts can arise from:

• Patient-related factors
• Equipment issues
• Processing errors (especially in film systems)
• Digital image acquisition or software glitches

While some artifacts are harmless and easily recognized, others can mimic real pathology or hide important diagnostic features, making it critical to identify and eliminate them whenever possible.

🔍 Common Types of Artifacts in Radiography

1. Motion Artifact

• Appearance: Blurred or double images.
• Cause: Patient movement during the exposure or tube motion.
• Prevention:
  • Communicate clearly with the patient.
  • Use immobilization tools if needed.
  • Reduce exposure time to minimize motion sensitivity.

2. Clothing and Jewelry Artifacts

• Appearance: White (radiopaque) lines, shapes, or patterns over the anatomy.
• Cause: Metallic objects like buttons, zippers, necklaces, or even hairpins.
• Prevention:
  • Ask patients to remove all metallic or dense objects before imaging.
  • Double-check clothing for hidden items.

3. Grid Artifacts

• Appearance: Lines or patterns across the image, sometimes referred to as "grid lines."
• Cause: Misalignment of the grid, improper SID, or using a stationary grid.
• Prevention:
  • Use proper grid alignment and movement (e.g., oscillating grids).
  • Ensure correct SID and positioning.

4. Double Exposure

• Appearance: Overlapping images from two separate exposures.
• Cause: Failure to reset or erase the digital plate or double exposure on film.
• Prevention:
  • Always clear and reset imaging plates between exposures.
  • Maintain a consistent workflow to avoid mix-ups.

5. Quantum Mottle (Noise)

• Appearance: Grainy or speckled image, especially in low-density areas.
• Cause: Insufficient exposure (low mAs).
• Prevention:
  • Use adequate mAs for body part thickness.
  • Avoid over-correcting noise with excessive post-processing.

6. Processing Artifacts (Film Radiography)

• Appearance: Uneven development, streaks, or chemical stains.
• Cause: Problems with developer or fixer chemicals, roller marks, or temperature issues.
• Prevention:
  • Regular maintenance of film processors.
  • Follow proper chemical handling and replenishment protocols.

7. Digital System Artifacts

• Appearance: Pixel drop-out, dead zones, or digital ghosting.
• Cause: Faulty detectors, calibration errors, or software malfunctions.
• Prevention:
  • Perform routine quality control checks.
  • Keep software and systems updated.
  • Recalibrate detectors as recommended by the manufacturer.

8. Dust or Debris Artifacts

• Appearance: Dark or light spots or lines.
• Cause: Dust on the imaging plate, cassette, or scanner.
• Prevention:
  • Clean imaging surfaces regularly.
  • Handle cassettes and plates with care to avoid contamination.

9. Patient Positioning Artifacts

• Appearance: Anatomical structures appear distorted or out of place.
• Cause: Incorrect positioning or angulation of the patient.
• Prevention:
  • Proper training in patient positioning techniques.
  • Use positioning aids and clear instructions.

10. Lead Markers or Artifacts from Improper Use

• Appearance: Confusing or misplaced anatomical markers.
• Cause: Markers not placed correctly or moving during exposure.
• Prevention:
  • Always place lead markers in a visible, correct position.
  • Secure markers to prevent shifting.

⚠️ Why Artifact Management Matters

• Lead to unnecessary repeat exams (increasing patient dose).
• Delay diagnosis and treatment.
• Confuse or mislead interpreting physicians.
• Result in legal or professional liability.

🧰 Best Practices to Avoid Artifacts

1. Educate Patients: Inform them of the need to remain still and remove metal objects.
2. Maintain Equipment: Regular servicing and quality control checks help detect issues early.
3. Adhere to Protocols: Consistency in technique and positioning reduces variability.
4. Review Images Immediately: Spotting artifacts right away allows for immediate correction.
5. Keep a Clean Environment: Dust and debris control prevents many minor artifacts.

📝 Final Thoughts

Radiographic artifacts are more than just annoyances — they can have real consequences on patient care and diagnostic accuracy. By recognizing common artifacts and understanding their causes, radiographers can take proactive steps to minimize their impact.

Whether you’re working in a busy emergency department, a dental clinic, or a rural health center, the principles remain the same: precision, attention to detail, and a commitment to quality are key to producing artifact-free images.

Next time you take an X-ray, remember: every shadow tells a story — make sure it’s the right one.