An imaging protocol is a standardized set of instructions and parameters used to perform a medical imaging study (e.g., MRI, CT, PET, ultrasound) for a specific clinical purpose, ensuring:
Consistent image quality
Diagnostic reliability
Patient safety
Reproducibility across institutions or sessions
📋 What It Typically Includes Imaging modality (e.g., MRI, CT)
Anatomic region (e.g., brain, spine, thorax)
Technical parameters:
Slice thickness
Field of view
Contrast agent use (type, dose, timing)
Timing sequences (e.g., T1, T2, FLAIR in MRI)
Radiation dose or scan settings in CT
Patient positioning
Pre-scan preparation (e.g., fasting, hydration, sedation)
Post-processing steps
Ensure diagnostic accuracy (e.g., detecting stroke, tumors, perfusion defects)
Allow comparability over time (follow-ups)
Minimize radiation or contrast risks
Help technologists and radiologists follow best practices