The ABR - Diagnostic Radiology

The written (cognitive) examination will include the basic sciences of anatomy, biochemistry pathology, physiology and pharmacology as these subjects relate to the clinical practice of diagnostic radiology. Also included are radiologic technique, radiologic physics, and radiation biology. SI units of measure will be used unless common practice dictates otherwise. The examination will include material from NRC regulations as they pertain to Nuclear Medicine. (see NRC Regs link at left)

New cognitive examinations are formulated each year in all categories of diagnostic radiology. Content of the examinations is carefully evaluated in order to keep current with new information and developments. The number of questions in each category may be changed as necessity dictates from year to year.

The content of the cognitive examination in diagnostic radiology includes the following:

Emphasis is placed on the principles and applications of physics, technology, statistical analysis, visual perception, dosimetry, radiation biology, exposure management, safety and quality assurance as they apply to the practice of diagnostic, interventional, and nuclear radiology.

Emphasis is placed on the basic science aspects as they relate to the various subspecialty areas. Thus, the examination questions fundamentally deal with the anatomical, physiological and pathological aspects of each of the diagnostic categories. Questions on radiologic technique are included in each of the diagnostic categories. There may be questions on clinical medical physics, ethics, management, accreditation, compliance, outcomes analysis, and appropriateness.

In general, the oral examination consists of image interpretation and problems regarding clinical application, including patient management. Computerized display of images is used in all categories of the examination. The oral diagnostic radiology examinations include each of the following subjects:

Musculoskeletal Radiology	Includes plain film diagnosis in all areas of the musculoskeletal system plus any related special or imaging procedures, including computerized tomography, interventional techniques and magnetic resonance imaging.
Pulmonary	Includes plain film diagnosis, CT, MRI and interventional techniques used in the diagnosis of diseases of the lungs, pleura and mediastinum, including the heart and great vessels.
Gastrointestinal Tract	Includes plain radiograph interpretation, contrast studies of the GI tract, and abdominal imaging studies, including computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasound plus some interventional techniques related to the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, biliary tract, liver, spleen, pancreas, peritoneal cavity and abdominal wall.
Genitourinary Tract	Includes plain film diagnosis, contrast studies, and any special procedures related to these organ systems, including computerized tomography, ultrasound, interventional techniques and magnetic resonance imaging.
Neuroradiology	Includes plain film diagnosis of the skull, sinuses, mastoids, spinal, and head and neck structures and all other imaging and special procedures related to the central nervous system and head and neck, including angiography, myelography, interventional techniques and magnetic resonance imaging.
Vascular and Interventional Radiology	Includes the diagnosis of all abnormalities and anomalies of the arteries, veins, and lymphatics. It includes all vascular and nonvascular imaging-directed interventional procedures. All modalities and techniques used in diagnostic and interventional procedures are also part of this category.
Nuclear Radiology	Includes dynamic and static nuclear imaging of pathophysiologic processes, radiopharmaceuticals, and quality control of nuclear imaging instruments, and NRC-related materials.
Ultrasonography	Includes ultrasound imaging and Doppler ultrasound of the head and neck, thorax, abdomen, pelvis, extremities, breast, scrotum, and vascular system, as well as ultrasound evaluation of the pregnant uterus and fetus..
Pediatric Radiology	Includes imaging procedures for the diagnosis of diseases of infants and children, such as plain film radiography, contrast studies, ultrasonography, nuclear radiology, computerized tomography, digital radiography, angiography, interventional techniques, magnetic resonance imaging, and congenital heart disease.
Breast Radiology	Includes mammography, ultrasonography, contrast studies, and special procedures related to the diagnosis of breast disease, and basic knowledge of the epidemiology and treatment of breast disease.
Virtual Cardiac	Includes cardiac cases in the categories of pediatrics, vascular interventional, nuclear radiology, and pulmonary. All imaging modalities which relate to anatomy, function, and diseases of the heart and great vessels may be included.

No beeper, recorder, camera, PDA, cellular phone, or any device that has the capability to record pictures, text, or sound can be brought into the examination area. No candidate is permitted to bring into the examination any notes, textbooks, calculators or other reference materials, and no scratch paper. Irregular behavior such as copying answers, sharing information, using notes, or otherwise giving or obtaining unauthorized information or aid—evidenced by observation, statistical analysis of answers, or otherwise—on any portion of the examination will be reported to the Board and will constitute grounds for the invalidation of an examination, and may lead to the candidate’s being judged unacceptable for certification by the Board. You agree to this by signature when you file your registration.