X-ray Basics PDF

Radiography X-RAY   Define the term x-ray and explain the process used in taking and developing an x-ray.  Compare and contrast radiopaque and radiolucent.  List and explain the different standard types of x-ray views including anter...

Radiography X-RAY   Define the term x-ray and explain the process used in taking and developing an x-ray.  Compare and contrast radiopaque and radiolucent.  List and explain the different standard types of x-ray views including anteroposterior (AP), posteroanterior (PA), lateral, and oblique.  Discuss how the presence of metallic objects, barium retained from previous studies, large amounts of fecal material or gas in the bowel, improper positioning, and excessive movement can OBJECTIVE each interfere with x-ray interpretation.  Describe the ALARA principle and its significance in ordering x- S rays.  Explain the three categories of radiation exposure risk consisting of somatic effects, genetic effects and fetal effects and give examples of each.  List the patient information that must be included on all x-rays.  Discuss the importance of the date and time the film was taken being included on the x-ray.  Explain how any previous imaging the patient has had may play a role in a new x-ray interpretation. X-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation that can pass through most objects, including the body. They are used to generate images of tissues and structures inside the body. **Radiography is based on the ability of x-rays to penetrate tissues and organs differently according to tissue density. X-rays are generated by a machine that passes a high-voltage electrical current through a tungsten filter in a vacuum tube (x-ray tube). Images are formed on photographic film positioned on the other side of the body. Images are produced in varying degrees of dark and light, depending on the amount of x-rays that penetrate the tissues. *The greater amount of energy absorbed, the less x-rays reach the film and the whiter the image appears on the film. Radioluce nt- materials Radiopaq that allow ue- not x-rays to permitting penetrate the with a passage of minimum x-rays of absorption  Most radiolucent material visible on radiographs Air/Gas This lucency provides contrast to allow visualization of various structures Surrounds organs and structures Fat Helps to delineate them by producing contrast for differentiation and visualization Soft Tissue & Variation in volume, thickness and degree of compactness of soft tissue creates a pattern of various Fluid densities on the radiograph Comprised mostly of calcium & phosphorus Normal variation of same bone and between different Mineral/Bone types of bone Diseased bone may be less opaque Most opaque shadow seen on radiographs Metal May be seen as contrast media, orthopedic implants, or metallic foreign bodies  STANDARD X-RAY VIEWS Anteroposter Posteroanter Lateral: Oblique: ior (AP): ior (PA): X-rays pass X-rays pass X-rays pass X-rays pass through the through the straight through the front of the back of the from the body while body body to the side of the the patient (anterior) front patient to is angled to the back the other between AP (posterior) side & PA position More specific views for certain x-ray series (cervical spine, foot,  Patient’s age - The lifetime Radiation dose - The lifetime risk of cancer is larger for a risk of cancer increases the patient who receives X-rays at larger the dose and the more X- a younger age than for one ray exams a patient undergoes. who receives them at an older age. The risk of developing cancer from medical imaging radiation exposure is generally very small, and it depends on: Patient’s sex - Women are at a somewhat higher lifetime risk Body region - Some organs than men for developing are more radiosensitive than radiation-associated cancer others. after receiving the same exposures at the same ages.  Imaging procedure should be judged to do more good than harm to the individual JUSTIFICATIO patient. All exams using radiation should be performed only when necessary. The clinical indication and patient medical N history should be carefully considered before referring a patient for any X-ray exam. As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA), principle of radioprotection states that OPTIMIZATIO whenever ionizing radiation has to be applied, exposure should be as low as reasonably achievable. N The technique factors used should be chosen based on the clinical indication, patient size, and anatomical area scanned; and the equipment should be properly So Occur in patients exposed to the harmful agent, these may include short-term effects such as blood cell problems or long- m term effects such as cancer ati c Include damage to future generations as a result of exposure of Ge parent germ cells to a harmful agent. Genetic effects can range from mild to severe ne tic Occur as result of exposure to harmful agent during embryonal or fetal state of development. Highly dependent on timing of exposure with respect to gestational age. Damage ranges from Fe mild birth defects to childhood malignancies. Greatest risk is tal early pregnancy when organs developing 3 types of damage to the body from Radiologic procedures  Metallic Objects Barium Excessive retained Movemen from t previous Interferi procedures ng Factors Large amounts of Improper fecal Positionin material or g gas in the bowel  CONFIRM DETAILS Patient – Ensure the study Time and date – Note the Although mistakes are was performed on the time and date of the rare, they do occur and correct patient. Joint study. This is especially you should verify details Commission recommends important if there are pertaining to your patient 2 pt identifiers (name, comparison studies. The on every study you review. DOB, medical record older study is usually number) displayed on the left. Comparisons – Make sure you view every image X-Ray Identifiers: submitted. It is not Study type - Verify AP vs uncommon for multiple PA, Position of Pt- supine, views to be taken for an standing, sitting AP supine CXR study on a Label correct sides- Right difficult to position patient. vs Left Compare these to previous studies, if available.