Carroll QB. Radiography in the Digital Age, with Accompanying Student Workbook. 2011 Charles C. Thomas Publisher LTD. Textbook: 912 pages, $89.95. Workbook: 312 pages, $44.95.

This text provides well formed explanations on topics of physics, radiographic exposure, and radiation biology as they are related to the use of digital imaging practices. This text is timely because conventional imaging procedures are increasingly being replaced by the use of computed and direct digital imaging features. Due to this transition into digital imaging procedures, a more accurate presentation is needed in imaging acquisitions. This text has addressed the need to instruct learners in new digital imaging terminology, fundamentals in basic physics and imaging equipment and accessories, radiation protection, and specifics on digital image acquisition.

Text Organization
This text is presented in four (4) sections:

Part I:              The Physics of Radiography

Part II:             Production of Radiographic the Radiographic Image

Part III:           Digital Radiography

Part IV:           Special Imaging Methods

The sections are appropriately introduced in a logical order that any novice learner in radiography would understand. Parts I and II are consistent with the basics of physics, equipment, and image production that would be consistent with either conventional or digital imaging procedures. In appropriate areas, a brief comparison is provided that notes the differences between conventional and digital radiography. The more thorough digital information is provided in Part III, Digital Imaging. Part III provides a complete lecture of digital efficacy from all aspects of physics, radiation protection, and exposure. Part IV, on Special Imaging Methods, is a beneficial feature. Similar texts discuss special imaging modalities briefly, but in this text the author presents a full explanation of each modality and its special applications of digital imaging. This text, as compared to similar works, contains a very thorough analysis which will allow it to be used for several courses in radiology.

Each chapter ends with a conclusion and review questions that are extremely helpful to the reader in summarizing and analyzing learning objectives for that chapter.

The author did an outstanding job of selecting appropriate graphs, charts, illustrations, and pictures. The illustrations are marked and easy to locate for the reading. The information was accurate and fulfilled the purpose of its presentation of digital imaging technology.  The table of contents, appendices, and index are cross-referenced appropriately. The references provided appear to be within the last 10 years. The relevant radiation protection measures (i.e., NCRP suggested standards) are accurate with their most recent publications.

Relevant Audience
This text provides a very complete analysis of subject matter for any student learner in the radiologic sciences. Those studying a complete course of Radiology Technology would benefit most. The information that is provided in the book is consistent with the radiology technology curriculum as presented by the American Society of Radiology Technologists. This text is relevant to the neuroradiology audience.

Workbook
The accompanying workbook provided with this text does attempt to provide the learner with an additional tool for self-study and evaluation of material comprehension. The workbook contains information for other products that are related to digital imaging that could be used as additional resources.

The author failed to use multiple learning approaches in the presentation of the workbook review. The entire workbook uses the fill-in the blank format to answer questions related to chapter information. There are no diagrams or other illustrations within the workbook. The use of multiple-choice questions, matching, and diagrams would have provided a more precise guided learning-tool, since all students learn through different approaches. The author does provide a suggestion as to how the workbook should be used by the student specifically using the Lecture Slides for Radiology in the Digital Age, along with the workbook. This would provide more reinforcement but does require the student to obtain this additional resource.   

Conclusion
The use of this text would be most beneficial to those who are studying in the field of radiographic imaging, and who are expected to function in a digital capacity. The book does provide a very complete analysis of digital imaging, more so for those studying to become Radiology Technologists.