5 Most Common Errors in Radiology​ Scans You Must Know

Most Common Errors in Radiology​ Scans

The most common errors in radiology​ affect patient care and diagnostic accuracy in most radiology facilities. Study suggests that radiology scan error rates range between 3-5%, and others suggest higher rates for complex cases ¹.

Here are the five most common errors in radiology​ that may lead to inaccurate results and affect intervention strategies.

1. Perceptual Errors and Missed Findings

Perceptual errors are a common issue when a radiologist fails to identify any abnormality on the image. Moreover, such errors account for 60% to 80% of all diagnostic mistakes in radiology scans ². It leads to inaccurate, delayed diagnoses when small details are overlooked.

2. Cognitive Errors

Cognitive errors emerge when radiologists locate abnormalities, leading to misinterpretation of medical images, and are critical for MRI units. Relative biases during medical assessments and faulty reasoning are crucial factors which lead to errors in your tests. Moreover, such mistakes also lead to misinterpretation of clinical direction and inappropriate treatment plans.

3. Technical Issues

Technical errors arise from image acquisition faults or equipment malfunctions during the scan. These can include incorrect patient positioning or poor device calibration. Moreover, poor image quality makes reliable interpretation difficult.

4. Lack of Communication

Errors in interventional radiology are a significant issue when communication between radiology professionals breaks down. A delay in diagnosis usually occurs when findings on the scan are visible, but there is no coordination with the clinician.

5. Inadequate Training or Experience

Insufficient training for radiology staff may reduce the quality of both scan acquisition and interpretation. Inexperienced radiology professionals may miss vital signs or fail to follow best practice protocols. Therefore, supervision is critical to reduce these types of errors.

With a better understanding of the meaning of radiology and some of its most common errors. Let’s now explore some patient-related issues that affect overall scan results.

Patient‑Related Errors That Affect Scan Quality

When you undergo a radiology scan, factors associated with you can affect the final image quality and the accuracy of the results. A study suggests that radiologists working off-hours make errors in CT interpretation at a rate of 3.0% ³.

• Movement during scans can blur images and hide abnormalities, especially in MRI or CT scans. Even slight movement can cause motion artefact, making it hard for radiologists to see key details on the image.
• Failure to follow pre‑scan instructions often affects scan clarity and results. If you do not fast, remain still, or follow any prep directions from your clinician, the resulting image may lack sufficient clarity for accurate interpretation.
• Anxiety or discomfort during the scan can cause you to tense or move, degrading image quality. Stress can make you shift or fail to hold still, especially during longer procedures such as an MRI.
• Communication gaps about recent procedures or prosthetics can impair image quality and accuracy. Not reporting recent surgeries, implants or metal devices can create artefacts on images, complicating interpretation.
• An incomplete medical history or missing prior images makes interpretation harder for radiologists. Without full context on your condition or previous scans, it can be difficult to spot changes or progressions between studies.

Also read: Soundless 1.5 Tesla MRI Scan Explained: Safety & Uses.

System and Workflow Factors Leading to Errors

The most common errors in radiology​ often arise from inefficiencies in radiology centres’ systems and workflows.

• Advanced technology: Investments such as high-resolution CT and MRI machines provide accurate images and reduce the likelihood of errors. State-of-the-art equipment ensures that patients receive the most accurate diagnosis with minimal risk of misinterpretation.
• Standardised processes: Leading radiology centres implement clear, standardised protocols for every scan, from preparation to reporting, which significantly reduces human error and ensures consistency. These processes help radiologists avoid common mistakes caused by varying scan techniques or unclear reporting formats.
• Workload management: Appropriate optimisation of workload distribution to avoid the risk of radiologists working under pressure. With proper scheduling, radiologists can dedicate sufficient time to each scan, reducing errors caused by time constraints or fatigue.
• Continuous professional: Prioritisation of constant education for their staff, keeping them up to date on the latest advancements and best practices. It ensures that radiologists are equipped to accurately interpret complex images and improve diagnostic accuracy.

Now with a clear understanding of the most common errors in radiology​, let’s see how Eskag Sanjeevani Radiology provides accurate test results error-free.

Why Choose Eskag Sanjeevani Radiology for an Accurate Radiology Scan?

Eskag Sanjeevani Radiology is one of India’s most trusted radiology centres, offering advanced imaging services such as 1.5 Tesla MRI, 128‑Slice Cardiac CT, ultrasound (USG) and X‑Rays. The vast network of centres across multiple states and the public-private partnership (PPP) model ensure you can access accurate and safe scan diagnostics near you without long waits.

With highly trained radiologists and equipment, Eskag Sanjeevani delivers reliable results that help you make informed decisions.