Mixed Deck — All ARRT Topics Flashcards

The ARRT Standards of Ethics is incorporated into the CT certification process primarily to:

Answer: Ensure candidates demonstrate professional integrity and moral character

The Standards of Ethics screening ensures that only individuals with demonstrated professional integrity are certified.

A CT scan protocol using 'prospective ECG gating' for cardiac imaging acquires data only during which part of the cardiac cycle?

Answer: Only during a pre-selected phase of diastole

Prospective ECG gating triggers X-ray exposure only during a selected quiescent diastolic window, substantially reducing radiation dose compared to retrospective gating.

Which of the following is required as proof of identity when a candidate checks in for the ARRT CT examination?

Answer: Government-issued photo ID with signature

Pearson VUE and ARRT require a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID with a matching signature at check-in.

On axial brain CT, the sylvian fissure (lateral sulcus) separates which lobes?

Answer: Frontal and parietal lobes from the temporal lobe

The sylvian (lateral) fissure separates the frontal and parietal lobes superiorly from the temporal lobe inferiorly.

ARRT's recertification policy allows CE credits earned through which type of structured journal activity?

Answer: ARRT-approved self-assessment modules or journal-based CE with post-tests

Journal-based CE activities qualify only when they include a post-test and are offered through an ARRT-approved sponsor, not casual reading alone.

When comparing filtered back projection (FBP) to model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR) at matched noise levels, MBIR typically demonstrates:

Answer: Higher spatial resolution with fewer artifacts at lower dose

MBIR models the entire imaging chain including optics and statistics, achieving better resolution and artifact suppression at lower dose than FBP.

An ARRT-certified CT technologist moves to a state that also requires state licensure for CT practice. Which statement is true?

Answer: State licensure and ARRT certification are separate and both may be required

ARRT certification and state licensure are independent processes; meeting ARRT standards does not automatically satisfy state licensing requirements.

When performing a venipuncture for contrast administration, the needle bevel should be oriented:

Answer: Facing up (bevel up)

The bevel-up orientation allows the needle to enter the vein smoothly and reduces the risk of piercing the posterior vein wall.

Cardiac motion artifacts on coronary CT angiography are primarily reduced by which technique?

Answer: ECG gating to synchronize data acquisition with the cardiac cycle

ECG gating synchronizes CT data acquisition to the relatively motion-free phases of the cardiac cycle (typically mid-diastole), reducing coronary motion artifact.

What is the purpose of contrast media in CT scans?

Answer: To enhance the visibility of specific structures and pathology

Contrast media (dye) enhances the visibility of blood vessels, organs, and abnormalities by changing how X-rays interact with specific tissues.

Which oral contrast agent is most commonly used in CT of the abdomen and pelvis to opacify the bowel?

Answer: Barium sulfate suspension or dilute water-soluble iodinated contrast

Barium sulfate or dilute iodinated contrast (e.g., dilute Gastrografin) are the standard oral agents used to opacify the GI tract in abdominal/pelvic CT.

During CT scanner acceptance testing, which test verifies that the displayed scan field of view (SFOV) matches the actual reconstructed area?

Answer: Geometric accuracy/distance accuracy test

The geometric/distance accuracy test uses a phantom with known dimensions to confirm that distances measured on reconstructed images correspond to actual physical distances.

During a multi-phase CT liver protocol (non-contrast, arterial, portal venous, delayed), which action BEST reduces cumulative patient dose?

Answer: Eliminate phases not essential for the clinical indication and use dose modulation for each phase

Eliminating unnecessary scan phases and applying tube current modulation to each remaining phase are the most effective strategies to reduce cumulative multi-phase CT dose.

Aliasing artifacts in CT, which appear as fine streaks or Moiré patterns, are caused by which factor?

Answer: Insufficient detector sampling

Aliasing artifacts occur when the object being imaged contains spatial frequencies higher than the detector sampling rate can capture, per the Nyquist theorem.

What is the purpose of an After Action Review (AAR)?

Answer: To analyze what happened, why, and how to improve

AARs are structured reviews analyzing what was planned, what happened, why there were differences, and what can be improved.

Which CT post-processing technique displays only voxels above a selected threshold, making it useful for 3D visualization of bones and vascular structures?

Answer: Maximum intensity projection (MIP)

Maximum intensity projection (MIP) selects and displays the highest attenuation voxel along each ray through the dataset, ideal for visualizing contrast-enhanced vessels or calcifications.

How many questions are typically included in the ARRT CT certification exam?

Answer: 150

The ARRT CT certification exam typically consists of 150 questions. This number includes both scored and unscored pilot questions, designed to comprehensively assess a candidate's knowledge across various domains of computed tomography. Candidates are given a specific time limit to complete all questions.

What is the primary advantage of CT over conventional X-ray?

Answer: CT provides cross-sectional images with superior soft tissue contrast

CT provides detailed cross-sectional images with much better soft tissue contrast resolution than conventional X-rays, allowing visualization of subtle differences between tissues.

A CT abdomen in a trauma patient shows high-density fluid in the hepatorenal space (Morison's pouch). What does this indicate?

Answer: Hemoperitoneum

High-attenuation free fluid (>30 HU) in Morison's pouch following trauma indicates hemoperitoneum from solid organ or vascular injury.

What physiologic mechanism underlies contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN)?

Answer: Renal medullary ischemia and direct tubular cell toxicity from contrast

CIN results from renal medullary vasoconstriction causing ischemia combined with direct cytotoxic effects of contrast on tubular epithelial cells.