Program Summary: The purpose of this course is to define “PITCH” as a technical factor in the performance of CT procedures. As a technical factor, “PITCH” is as important as milliamperage and kVp when considering the balance between patient dose and image quality in modern multi-detector CT imaging. Explaining “PITCH” terminology, the mathematical derivations that result in “PITCH” calculations and the application of “PITCH” relative to the derivation of technical factors are discussed at length. How changes in “PITCH” impact patient dose, image resolution, slice PITCH and anatomy covered in a CT scan are explained in a manner applicable for daily use by Technologists performing CT procedures.

OBJECTIVES AFTER PARTICIPATING IN THE SESSION, EACH ATTENDEE, WITH A MINIMUM OF 75% PROFICIENCY, WILL BE ABLE TO:

• 1. Define “PITCH” in secular and mathematical terms relative to helical CT;
• 2. Perform the mathematics required to accurately calculate “PITCH” in both single and multiple detector CT systems;
• 3. Explain the relationships between “PITCH” and patient dose, image resolution, slice PITCH and anatomy covered; and,
• 4. Define interpolation and describe why it is required in helical scanning

OUTLINE

i. Defining “PITCH”- the written and verbal word including the mathematics

ii. Defining why “PITCH” exists and why it is a technical factor as important as milliamperage and kVp

iii. How and why “PITCH” changes when “PITCH” factors change

• a. Tube rotation velocity
• b. Table incrementation velocity
• c. Beam width

iv. How and why changes in “PITCH” impact the following:

• a. Patient dose
• b. Image quality
• c. Slice PITCH
• d. Anatomy covered

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