Computed Tomography Technologist Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Guide for Exam Success!

Ring artifacts in CT imaging primarily result from imperfect detector elements. These artifacts occur when there are inconsistencies in the performance of the individual detectors within the array used to capture the X-ray data. When one or more detectors are malfunctioning or have calibration errors, the data they produce can differ from the data produced by perfectly functioning detectors. This discrepancy can manifest visually as circular or ring-like patterns on the final images, impacting diagnostic accuracy.

In contrast, inaccurate software algorithms may contribute to other types of artifacts but are not the primary cause of ring artifacts. Exposure technique errors usually affect image quality but do not directly lead to the characteristic ring patterns associated with defective detectors. Additionally, patient movement typically causes motion artifacts, which appear differently on imaging and are not related to the issue of detector function. Understanding the underlying reasons for ring artifacts helps technologists optimize equipment performance and maintain high-quality imaging standards.