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Review Paper | Diagnostic Radiology | Volume 15 Issue 5, May 2026 | Pages: 994 - 1000 | India
Impact of Improper Patient Positioning on Diagnostic Accuracy in Radiographic Imaging: A Review
Abstract: Patient positioning is a fundamental determinant of diagnostic image quality in radiographic examinations. Improper positioning introduces geometric distortions, structural superimpositions, and artifacts that may simulate or obscure pathological findings, directly compromising diagnostic accuracy. This narrative review synthesises evidence from peer-reviewed literature, textbooks, and institutional studies to characterise the nature, prevalence, and consequences of positioning errors across common radiographic examinations, including chest radiography, musculoskeletal imaging, mammography, fluoroscopy, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Specific positioning errors and their associated diagnostic pitfalls are catalogued, and their downstream effects on patient management, repeat radiation exposure, and medicolegal risk are examined. The review also appraises technological innovations- including automated positioning assistance and artificial intelligence (AI)-based quality-control systems- alongside training and protocol standardisation strategies designed to mitigate error rates. Evidence indicates that positioning errors account for a substantial proportion of radiographic repeats (up to 26% in some institutions) and contribute meaningfully to missed diagnoses and unnecessary radiation dose. A systematic, multi-pronged approach encompassing competency-based education, institutional quality assurance, patient communication strategies, and emerging digital tools is proposed as the optimal framework for reducing positioning-related diagnostic failures. Strengthening radiographer training and quality feedback systems represents the most practical immediate intervention.
Keywords: patient positioning, radiographic imaging, diagnostic accuracy, image quality, repeat radiograph, radiographer, quality assurance, artefact
How to Cite?: Rahul Pal, "Impact of Improper Patient Positioning on Diagnostic Accuracy in Radiographic Imaging: A Review", Volume 15 Issue 5, May 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 994-1000, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26515100856, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26515100856