Conventional Radiological Equipment Techniques PDF

Department of Radiology and Sonar ‫قسم االشعة والسونار‬ Conventional Radiological Equipment Techniques Assist. Lecturer Ahmed A. Sharrad Department of Radiology and Sonar ‫قسم االشعة والسونار‬ Lect. (1) X-Ray Machine System X-Ray Machi...

Department of Radiology and Sonar ‫قسم االشعة والسونار‬ Conventional Radiological Equipment Techniques Assist. Lecturer Ahmed A. Sharrad Department of Radiology and Sonar ‫قسم االشعة والسونار‬ Lect. (1) X-Ray Machine System X-Ray Machine System An X-ray machine system typically consists of several key components that work together to produce and capture X-ray images. Here's a ‫شعة‬$‫شعة السينية يتكون نظام آلة ا‬$‫نظام آلة ا‬ breakdown of the main elements: 1- X-Ray Tube: - X-Ray Tube: The heart of the system, where X- rays are generated. It consists of a cathode (which emits electrons) and an anode (which the electrons strike, producing X-rays). - Power Supply: Provides the necessary high voltage to accelerate the electrons towards the anode. - Focusing Cup: Directs the electrons to a specific point on the anode, known as the focal spot. 2- Collimator: A device that narrows the X-ray beam to a specific size and shape to focus on the area being examined. It helps minimize patient exposure to unnecessary radiation. 3. Operating Console: The interface that the radiologic technologist uses ‫شعارية يستخدم‬9‫ واجهة أن تقنية ا‬:‫ وحدة التحكم في التشغيل‬.3 to control the machine. It includes settings for the X- ‫ مثل‬،‫شعة السينية‬N‫ ويشمل إعدادات تعرض ا‬.‫للسيطرة على الجهاز‬ ray exposure, such as voltage (kVp), current (mA), ‫ كاشف‬.4.‫ ووقت التعرض‬،(MA) ‫ الحالي‬،(KVP) ‫الجهد‬ and exposure time. ‫شعة السينية‬N‫ت ا‬Z‫ في آ‬:‫ الكاشفات الرقمية‬- :‫ الفيلم‬/ ‫الصورة‬ 4. Image Detector/Film: ‫شعة السينية‬N‫ هذه أجهزة كاشفة مسطحة التي تلتقط ا‬،‫الحديثة‬ ‫نظمة القديمة فيلم‬N‫ تستخدم ا‬:‫ فيلم‬-.‫وتحويلها إلى صور رقمية‬ - Digital Detectors: In modern X-ray machines, ‫عالجة الكيميائية لعرض صورة‬e‫ والتي تتطلب ا‬،‫التصوير الفوتوغرافي‬ these are flat-panel detectors that capture the X- ،‫نظمة الرقمية‬N‫ في ا‬:‫ نظام معالجة الصور‬.5.‫شعة السينية‬N‫ا‬ rays and convert them into digital images. ‫ قد‬.‫شعة السينية على شاشة‬N‫كون هذه وتعرض صور ا‬e‫وعمليات ا‬ - Film: Older systems used photographic film, ‫تقدمة برنامجا لتعزيز جودة الصورة أو تحليل‬e‫نظمة ا‬N‫تتضمن ا‬ which required chemical processing to view the.‫الصور‬ X-ray image. 5. Image Processing System: In digital systems, this component processes and displays the X-ray images on a monitor. Advanced systems may include software for enhancing image quality or analyzing the images. 6. Patient Table: A platform where the patient lies during the X- ray procedure. Some systems have a movable table that can be adjusted for different angles or positions. ‫شعة‬$‫ريض أثناء إجراء ا‬0‫ منصة حيث يكمن ا‬:‫ريض‬0‫ الجدول ا‬.6 7. Radiation Shielding: ‫نظمة على طاولة متحركة يمكن ضبطها‬$‫ تحتوي بعض ا‬.‫السينية‬ Lead shields or walls around the room protect the ‫ حماية الدروع أو‬:‫شعاعي‬S‫ التدريع ا‬.7.‫لزوايا أو مواقع مختلفة‬ technician and other personnel from X-ray exposure. Y‫وظف‬0‫الجدران في جميع أنحاء الغرفة حماية الفني وغيرها من ا‬ 8. Cooling System: ‫شعة‬$‫ أنابيب ا‬:‫ نظام التبريد‬.8.‫شعة السينية‬$‫من تعرض ا‬ X-ray tubes generate a lot of heat, so cooling systems ‫ لذلك أنظمة التبريد )عادة النفط أو‬،‫السينية تولد الكثير من الحرارة‬ (usually oil or air-cooled) are essential to prevent :‫ تنظير الفلور‬.9.‫نع ارتفاع درجة الحرارة‬0 ‫تبريد الهواء( ضرورية‬ overheating. ‫شعة السينية وضع تنظير‬$‫ت ا‬k‫نظمة( تشمل بعض آ‬$‫)في بعض ا‬ 9. Fluoroscopy: ‫ يستخدم في‬،‫ والذي يوفر صورا متحركة في الوقت الفعلي‬،‫الفلور‬ (in some systems) Some X-ray machines include a ‫متحانات‬k‫جراءات الجراحية أو ا‬S‫حيان في ا‬$‫كثير من ا‬.‫التشخيصية مثل دراسات الباريوم‬ fluoroscopy mode, which provides real-time moving images, often used in surgical procedures or diagnostic examinations like barium studies. Operating Console The operating console of an X-ray machine is the primary control interface used by the radiologic technologist to operate and adjust the machine. It allows precise control over various parameters that influence the quality of the X-ray images, and the radiation dose delivered to the patient. - Line compensation: In X-ray ‫وظيفة‬ machines, line compensation refers to the voltage to ensure consistent operation, regardless of ‫تعريف‬ adjustment of the machine’s electrical input voltage changes in the external power supply. to maintain a stable and constant operating voltage. 3- Manual Line Compensation: In older or simpler This is crucial because fluctuations in the input X-ray machines, the operator may need to manually voltage from the power supply can affect the quality adjust the line voltage settings to compensate for any of the X-ray images and the overall performance of detected variations. This can be done using dials or the system. switches on the console. Basic Points of Line Compensation in X-ray 4-Impact on Image Quality: Proper line Machines: compensation is essential for maintaining consistent 1- Power Supply Variations: The incoming power X-ray beam intensity and quality. Without it, voltage line voltage can vary depending on several factors, fluctuations can lead to inconsistent exposure levels, such as load changes in the electrical grid or resulting in poor image quality or requiring additional fluctuations in the facility’s power supply. These retakes. ‫مهمة‬ variations can cause the X-ray tube to operate under 5- Protection of X-ray Tube: Line compensation non-optimal conditions. also helps protect the X-ray tube and other electronic 2- Automatic Compensation: Many modern X-ray components from voltage spikes or dips, extending machines are equipped with an automatic line the lifespan of the machine and preventing damage. compensation feature. This system measures the incoming voltage and adjusts the machine’s internal - Autotransformer: An autotransformer in the operating console of an 3- Primary Control: The autotransformer is part of X-ray machine plays a crucial role in adjusting the the primary circuit of the X-ray machine. It provides voltage supplied to the machine, allowing for precise precise control over the input voltage to the high- control of the X-ray beam's energy. voltage transformer, which ultimately generates the Basic Functions of an Autotransformer in an X- high voltages needed for X-ray production. ray Console: ‫مهمة‬ 4- kVp Selection: By adjusting the number of turns Mcq // The autotransformer adjusts the voltage that will be in the autotransformer circuit, operators can choose applied to the X-ray tube. This allows the operator to different kVp values. This is important for controlling select different kilovolt peak (kVp) settings, which the contrast and quality of the X-ray images. determine the energy and penetrating power of the X- 5- Stabilizing the Power Supply: Since power rays. The higher the kVp, the more penetrating the X- supply voltage can vary, the autotransformer helps ray beam. stabilize the voltage before it's increased by the high- 2- Single Winding Transformer: Unlike a typical voltage transformer. This ensures that the X-ray transformer with separate primary and secondary machine operates consistently, producing clear windings, the autotransformer has a single winding images without fluctuations in power. with taps at various points. These taps allow the ‫كال تركزون ع الرابعة‬ selection of different voltage levels, making it efficient and compact for use in an X-ray machine. - kVp adjustment: ‫وظيفة‬ 2- Impact on Image Contrast: kVp significantly in an X-ray machine is crucial for controlling the influences the contrast of the X-ray image. Lower energy and quality of the X-ray beam. The term ‫اختصار للمصطلح‬ kVp produces higher contrast images with more "kVp" stands for kilovolt peak, which refers to the differentiation between tissues (useful for bone maximum voltage applied across the X-ray tube imaging), whereas higher kVp produces images with during an exposure. Adjusting the kVp alters the lower contrast but more details of soft tissues. penetration power and quality of the X-ray photons. In clinical practice, the kVp setting is selected Basic Points on kVp Adjustment: based on the desired contrast and the type of body 1- Controlling X-ray Beam Energy: The kVp part being imaged. setting directly affects the energy of the X-ray 3- How kVp is Adjusted: The kVp adjustment is photons produced. Higher kVp results in higher done using the control panel or console of the X-ray energy X-rays, which have greater penetration machine, where the operator sets the desired kVp through the body. level. For example, high kVp settings (e.g., 100-120 kVp) This adjustment controls the voltage that is applied are used for imaging dense body parts like the chest across the X-ray tube using an autotransformer, as or abdomen, while lower kVp settings (e.g., 60-80 discussed earlier. The autotransformer steps up the kVp) are used for extremities where less penetration selected voltage to very high levels (tens of is required. thousands of volts) needed for X-ray production. 4- Effect on Patient Dose: Higher kVp reduces the overall absorption of X- penetrating ability is controlled by the kVp. Thus, rays by the patient’s tissues, thereby reducing the both factors work together to optimize image quality patient's radiation dose. However, this also leads to and patient safety. lower image contrast. In contrast, lower kVp increases the dose because - mA control: more X-rays are absorbed by the body, but this can The mA control on the console of an X-ray machine produce sharper images with better contrast in some is used to adjust the milliamperes (mA), which cases. determines the amount of electric current supplied to 5- Optimization for Different Procedures: the X-ray tube. This controls the quantity of X-rays Radiographers adjust kVp based on the anatomical produced during an exposure. region and the specific diagnostic requirements. For Basic Aspects of mA Control instance:Chest X-rays: High kVp (100-120 kVp) for 1- Regulation of X-ray Quantity: good penetration and lower contrast, showing both The mA setting controls the current flowing bones and soft tissues.Abdominal X-rays: Mid-range through the filament of the X-ray tube. The higher the kVp (70-90 kVp) for balanced penetration and mA, the more electrons are produced and contrast.Extremities: Lower kVp (50-70 kVp) for subsequently the more X-rays are generated. higher contrast and detailed imaging of bones. While kVp controls the energy and quality 6- Quality of X-rays: (penetrating power) of the X-rays, the mA setting The quantity of X-rays is primarily controlled by influences the number of X-rays emitted, directly the mA (milliamperes) setting, while the quality or impacting the image’s brightness or density.  ‫مهم‬ 2- mA and Exposure Time (mAs): 4- Impact on Patient Dose: The mA value is often combined with the exposure The mA setting directly affects the patient’s time (in seconds) to form a parameter called mAs radiation dose. Higher mA means more X-rays are (milliamperes-seconds). mAs represents the total produced, which increases the dose, while lower mA quantity of X-rays produced. It is calculated by reduces it. The goal is to optimize mA to produce the multiplying the mA by the exposure time. For best image quality with the lowest radiation dose example, 200 mA for 0.1 seconds results in 20 mAs. ‫فراغ‬ possible, following the ALARA (As Low As Both the mA and exposure time can be adjusted on Reasonably Achievable) principle. the console to control the total radiation dose 5- Automatic Exposure Control (AEC): ‫مهم‬ delivered to the patient and the overall darkness of Some X-ray machines are equipped with an the X-ray image. ‫يؤثر الى‬ Automatic Exposure Control (AEC) system, which 3- Effect on Image Brightness and Density: helps regulate mA automatically during exposure to Increasing the mA results in a higher number of ensure the correct image brightness is achieved. The X-rays reaching the imaging receptor (such as film or AEC adjusts the exposure parameters (including mA) a digital detector), leading to a darker or denser based on the patient's body part and density, ensuring image. Lower mA settings reduce the number of X- consistent image quality while minimizing the dose. rays, making the image appear lighter. Radiographers 6- Tube Heating and mA Limits: adjust the mA setting based on the part of the body High mA settings generate more heat in the X-ray being imaged and the patient’s size. For example, tube, which can potentially damage the tube if used larger body parts may require higher mA to ensure excessively. To protect the tube, there are maximum enough X-rays penetrate and produce a clear image. mA limits and safety features in place on the X-ray. console to prevent overheating. Lower mA settings and shorter exposure times help reduce tube wear and 2- Relationship Between mA and Exposure Time prolong the equipment’s lifespan. (mAs): The product of the mA (milliamperes) and the - Exposure Time: exposure time (in seconds) gives the mAs value, The exposure timer in an X-ray machine’s console which indicates the total quantity of radiation used controls the duration of the X-ray exposure. The for the exposure. length of time the X-ray tube is energized determines 3- Types of Exposure Timers: how long X-rays are produced and, together with the Mechanical Timers: These were used in older X-ray mA setting, controls the total quantity of radiation machines and operated based on a mechanical (mAs) that reaches the patient or imaging detector. mechanism. They are less accurate and have largely Basic Points of the Exposure Timer : been replaced by more precise electronic timers. 1- Controls Exposure Duration: Electronic Timers: Modern X-ray machines use The exposure timer determines how long the X-ray electronic timers that offer highly precise control tube emits X-rays. It is measured in fractions of a over exposure time, down to milliseconds. second or full seconds. Shorter exposure times are Automatic Exposure Control (AEC): In machines used to reduce motion blur (e.g., in chest X-rays), equipped with AEC, the exposure time is while longer exposure times may be required for automatically controlled by the system. The AEC parts of the body that need more exposure due to detects the amount of radiation reaching the detector their density or size (e.g., abdomen X-rays). and terminates the exposure once sufficient radiation has been received, optimizing the exposure for consistent image quality while minimizing the patient’s dose. unnecessarily increasing the patient’s radiation 4- Reducing Patient Motion Artifacts: exposure. Shorter exposure times are preferred in many 6- Safety Mechanisms: cases to minimize motion artifacts, which can occur Modern X-ray machines have safety mechanisms that if the patient moves during the exposure. Quick ensure the exposure timer works accurately. If an exposures reduce the likelihood of blurring, exposure takes too long (due to a malfunction), the especially in moving organs like the lungs or for system will automatically terminate the exposure to restless patients (e.g., children). protect both the patient and the machine. For example, chest X-rays usually require shorter Pre-programmed Timers: Many X-ray consoles come exposure times (e.g., 0.01-0.1 seconds) to capture with pre-programmed exposure settings that optimize clear images of the lungs, where motion due to the exposure time based on the body part being breathing can cause blurring. imaged. This simplifies the process for operators, 5- Impact on Radiation Dose: ensuring consistent and safe exposures. Longer exposure times result in a higher radiation dose to the patient, while shorter times reduce the dose. The exposure timer helps ensure the patient is exposed to radiation for the minimum time required to produce a diagnostic image.By adjusting the timer and mA settings together, radiographers can achieve the desired mAs (and thus image brightness) without