Radiologic Technologist Practice Exam

Where is patient demographics and examination information stored with a digital radiography image?

1. Metadata

2. Radiology information system (RIS)

3. Study ID

4. Modality worklist

The correct answer is: Metadata

The correct answer is metadata because it serves as the essential data that accompanies a digital radiography image, providing critical information about the image itself. Metadata typically includes patient demographics, examination details, date and time of the procedure, and other relevant contextual information that helps in identifying the image and integrating it within a larger database. This ensures proper tracking, retrieval, and analysis of imaging data. While a Radiology Information System (RIS) plays a role in managing patient records and scheduling, it does not store the information directly with the imaging data. The Study ID is a reference that identifies a specific examination but does not encompass all demographic details and examination specifics. A modality worklist assists technologists in selecting the appropriate study based on the scheduled examinations, but again, it is not where this demographic and examination information is stored. Each of these alternatives serves important functions in the imaging workflow, yet metadata is uniquely positioned as the storage point for the comprehensive details linked to a digital radiography image.