How to write Radiology Protocol?

Introduction
A Radiology Protocol (also called a Radiology Synopsis) is a structured plan for an MD, MS, or DNB thesis that outlines your study’s objectives, scope, and methods in imaging-based research. A well-crafted Radiology Protocol guides each step of your research and secures institutional approval.

1. Introduction to the Topic

• Define the imaging modality or radiological parameter under investigation (e.g., CT-based volumetric analysis, MRI diffusion metrics, ultrasound elastography).

• Specify the clinical or research context (disease staging, treatment monitoring, screening).

• Use both “Radiology Protocol” and “Radiology Synopsis” to refer to your document.

2. Demographics & Prevalence

• Identify the patient population (age range, sex distribution, relevant comorbidities) and cite recent epidemiological or registry data.

• Highlight why imaging this condition matters (e.g., prevalence of liver lesions, rising incidence of stroke).

3. Gap in Existing Knowledge

• Summarize current imaging standards and pinpoint unanswered questions (e.g., lack of normative ADC values in your population).

• Explain how your Radiology Synopsis will generate new quantitative or qualitative imaging data to address these gaps.

4. Need and Rationale for Study

• Explain why this research matters for MD, MS, or DNB postgraduate training and for radiological practice.

• Outline limitations in current imaging protocols, diagnostic criteria, or reporting templates.

• State the potential impact on diagnostic accuracy, patient management, or guideline development.

• Mention alignment with national imaging standards or subspecialty society recommendations, if applicable.

5. Review of Literature

• Historical Background: trace key developments in imaging techniques or protocols relevant to your topic.

• Current State of Knowledge: summarize recent peer-reviewed studies on imaging parameters, protocols, and results.

• Key Findings: highlight methodologies (e.g., scanner settings, contrast timing, post-processing algorithms) and major outcomes.

• Gaps in Literature: identify what existing Radiology Synopses have overlooked.

• Relevance: show how your Radiology Protocol builds on and extends prior work.

6. Lacunae in Literature

• List specific deficiencies or under-explored areas (e.g., variability in slice thickness, inter-observer agreement).

• Explain how your Radiology Synopsis addresses each lacuna with standardized acquisition or analysis methods.

7. Materials and Methods

• Source of Data: PACS archives, prospective patient enrollment, phantoms, or animal models.

• Study Design: cross-sectional, cohort, case–control, interventional imaging study—state it clearly in your Radiology Protocol.

• Study Population: define inclusion and exclusion criteria (e.g., adults 18–75 years undergoing abdominal CT; exclude contrast allergy).

• Study Period: precise start and end dates (mm/yyyy–mm/yyyy).

• Sample Size Calculation: present the formula, parameters (expected effect size, α, power), and final number.

• Imaging Acquisition: step-by-step scanner settings (kVp, mA, slice thickness), contrast protocols, and patient preparation.

• Image Analysis: describe post-processing software, measurement techniques, ROI placement, and reader blinding.

• Statistical Analysis: specify software, statistical tests (t-test, ANOVA, ROC analysis, kappa for agreement), and significance threshold (p < 0.05).

8. Ethical Considerations

• Informed Consent: procedures for obtaining voluntary, written consent for new imaging or use of archived scans.

• Confidentiality: anonymization of DICOM data and secure storage measures.

• Risk Minimization: safety protocols for radiation dose, contrast reactions, and patient monitoring.

• Ethics Committee Approval: name of the Institutional Review Board and approval ID.

9. Limitations of the Study

• Sample Constraints: potential under-representation of certain lesion types or patient subgroups.

• Measurement Bias: inter-observer variability in ROI placement or image interpretation.

• Technical Variability: differences in scanner models or software versions.

• Generalizability: applicability of findings to other institutions or equipment vendors.

10. Annexures

• Consent Form: template ensuring participants understand imaging procedures, risks (radiation, contrast), and benefits.

• Participant Information Sheet: clear summary of study aims, procedures, risks, and contacts in lay language.

• Data Collection Form: structured sheet for recording demographics, imaging parameters, lesion measurements, and follow-up data consistently.

Conclusion
A concise Radiology Protocol (Radiology Synopsis) tailored for MD, MS, and DNB postgraduate students meets academic standards and provides a clear framework for conducting and presenting your imaging research. Cover each section above thoroughly to ensure scientific rigor and clarity.