A method for calculating and reporting image quality properties of an image acquisition device after a subject or object has been scanned consists of a scan quality monitoring system with automated software for receiving scans and radiation dose data from scanners and automated algorithms for analyzing image quality metrics and radiation dose tradeoffs. Image quality assessment methods include algorithms for measuring fundamental imaging characteristics, level and type of image artifacts, and comparisons against large databases of historical data for the scanner and protocols. Image quality reports are further customized to report on expected clinical performance of image detection or measurement tasks.