Which three mistakes are likely to result in a histogram error artifact?

A histogram error artifact is often related to the way digital imaging systems interpret and display the data captured during an imaging procedure. Using incorrect collimation is a significant factor because proper collimation helps to define the area of interest, ensuring that only relevant anatomical structures are included in the image. When collimation is incorrect, the digital system may misinterpret the histogram, leading to potential artifacts due to the presence of extra, unrelated tissue or anatomy that confuses the software’s algorithms.

Proper collimation serves to enhance the quality of the image and allows the imaging system to create a more accurate histogram representation of the region being examined. This reduces the likelihood of artifacts that can degrade diagnostic utility. In contrast, the other options may not directly influence the histogram in the same way. For example, not using a lead shield does not inherently affect how the data is processed, while processing a knee radiograph as a chest will lead to misinterpretation due to the differences in anatomy and exposure techniques. Overexposure can degrade image quality but might not directly create a histogram artifact in the same systematic way as incorrect collimation does.