General Pre-Admission Terms

Question 1

Anatomical Position

Answer 1

Images are viewed in the anatomical position which refers to the patient standing erect, facing forward with the palms of the hands facing forward.

Question 2

Bucky

Answer 2

A mechanism for moving the grid. (Potter-Bucky Diaphragm) — also see grid.

Question 3

Central Ray

Answer 3

The geometric center of the beam of radiation emitted from the x-ray tube.

Question 4

Chart

Answer 4

The complete record of past and current data kept for each patient containing details such as history, results of diagnostic tests, signs and symptoms, vital signs, physician’s findings, nurse’s notes, medications administered.

Question 5

Collimation (Coning)

Answer 5

A term used by technologists to refer to limiting the field of radiation produced. This is performed with an adjustable shutter system mounted over the tube “window” for the purpose of limiting and shaping the field of radiation; can be automatically programmed to the imaging plate (cassette) size.

Question 6

Computed Radiography

Answer 6

CR uses digital technology with a photostimulable phosphor plate within a cassette in order to produce digital images.

Question 7

Consent Form

Answer 7

Legal document completed and signed by patient and technologist/radiologist. This confirms invasive radiographic procedure has been explained and patient is agreeable to continue.

Question 8

Contrast Media

Answer 8

A group of substances utilized for introduction into a body organ, cavity, or vessel to make visualization possible on the resultant radiograph.

Question 9

Control Panel

Answer 9

The areas of the x-ray machine where kilovoltage, milliamps, exposure time, etc. is selected and monitored. The equipment component used to regulate radiation by adjusting kilovoltage, milliamperage, and exposure time.

Question 10

Digital Radiography

Answer 10

DR uses digital technology and special electronic detectors to produce digital images.

Question 11

Digitizer/CR Reader

Answer 11

Converts the scanned electronic signal from the imaging plate for image display on a monitor.

Question 12

Emergency Cart (Kit)

Answer 12

A container with contents systematically organized for use during patient emergencies, providing necessary emergency medications, syringes, swabs, tourniquet, blood pressure cuff, etc.

Question 13

Exposure Factors

Answer 13

Safe exposure to the patient requires specific selection of a variety of parameters to obtain a diagnostic image. These factors are:
kVp — kilovolt peak
mAs — milliampere seconds
D — distance

Question 14

Filter

Answer 14

A compensating device used to absorb radiation to provide a more uniform image when the patient’s body part is of uneven thickness. It is commonly placed between the patient and the x-ray tube or between the patient and image receptor.

Question 15

Fluoroscopy (radioscopy)

Answer 15

A method of radiographic examination in which a continuous and immediate image is produced and displayed on a television monitor.

Question 16

Gonad Shield (lead shield)

Answer 16

A device or apron composed of lead impregnated rubber, which will stop radiation. Used primarily for protection of the ovaries or testicles during radiography.

Question 17

Grid

Answer 17

A device composed of alternating thin strips of lead and a radiotransparent material. Mounted between the patient and the image plate (IP) to absorb scattered radiation. This prevents scatter from reaching the IP.

Question 18

Image Plate or Image Receptor (Cassette)

Answer 18

IP, IR or cassette, are special plates that stores the latent image until it is converted into a digital image. The x-ray beam data is converted into an image by the cassette reader.

Question 19

Mobile X-Ray Machine

Answer 19

Movable x-ray machine can be brought to patient’s bedside.

Question 20

OID

Answer 20

Object-to-Image Distance is how far the body is to the image receptor.

Question 21

OSL or TLD

Answer 21

Optical Stimulated Luminescence or thermoluminescent dosimeter, is a device worn by radiation workers for measurement of radiation dose.

Question 22

PACS

Answer 22

Picture Archiving and Communication System permits the acquisition, interpretation, and storage of images.

Question 23

Patient Position

Answer 23

Refers to the position of the patient when radiographed:
supine — patient lying on their back
prone — directly on their abdomen
lateral — directly on their side
oblique — at any angle in between prone/supine and lateral

Question 24

Patient Requisition

Answer 24

Legal document completed by a physician requesting a radiographic examination of the patient.

Question 25

Radiolucent

Answer 25

Objects or tissue that allows radiation to pass through to the IP rather than being absorbed. Usually appear black on an image and has a low atomic number.

Question 26

Radiopaque

Answer 26

Radiation is absorbed by the object and are visualized as white on an image.

Question 27

SID

Answer 27

Source-to-Image Distance is the distance from the source of the radiation to the image receptor (from the x-ray tube to the cassette).

Question 28

Standard Precautions

Answer 28

Specific clinical techniques to reduce/prevent the spread of communicable disease. These include hand washing, protective apparel, patient placements, management of medical equipment and supplies.

Question 29

Suction Unit

Answer 29

A vacuum bottle with tubing attached for the purpose of withdrawing fluid from a body cavity.

Question 30

Traffic Desk (not at all sites)

Answer 30

Area of x-ray department that handles processing of patient requisitions. Designated person organizes booking times/rooms/technologists for daily workload.

Question 31

X-Ray Tube

Answer 31

A glass envelope containing an anode and a cathode. When the cathode is heated it emits electrons which on striking the anode result in the production of radiation.

Question 32

Barium Enema

Answer 32

An examination of the large bowel (colon) by introducing a liquid contrast medium called barium sulphate. To examine the bowel, it must be completely empty, so the patient is requested to fast for eight hours prior to the examination. The radiologist observes the passage of the barium sulphate with fluoroscopy and radiographs any area of interest.

Question 33

Stomach and Duodenum (S & D or OS&D, Upper GI or UGI)

Answer 33

Also known as Upper GI or Upper Gastrointestinal series. These images are used to evaluate the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. The patient is required to drink various suspensions of barium sulphate in addition to taking gas producing tablets. Images are taken under the direction of the radiologist using fluoroscopy in various positions.

Question 34

Small Bowel Follow Through (SBFT)

Answer 34

An examination of the small bowel often follows the examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract, including esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The patient is requested to drink several glasses of liquid contrast medium called barium sulphate. A timed sequence of radiographs of the patient’s abdomen is obtained. For example, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours. The series is continued until the barium sulphate has passed to the final portion of the small bowel.

Question 35

Computed Tomography (CT)

Answer 35

Computerized Tomography (CT scanning) combines a fan-shaped x-ray beam traversing the patient and detectors receiving the beam. The beam received is digitized and a computer uses the measurements to reconstruct a cross-sectional image of the patient. A method of obtaining an image of a thin section of the body, without superimposition of structures above and below the plane of interest, e.g., “slice.”

Question 36

Cystography

Answer 36

An examination of the urinary bladder by filling with a contrast medium introduced through a small tube passed via the urethra to the bladder. Radiographs of the bladder and urethra are obtained during the procedure. For careful examination, the bladder must be empty, so the patient is asked to void immediately before the procedure begins.

Question 37

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

Answer 37

ERCP is a procedure used to examine the biliary and pancreatic ducts. The patient is sedated. This procedure is done by passing a fiber optic endoscope through the mouth into the duodenum under fluoroscopic control. Contrast is injected into the common bile duct and pancreatic duct and radiographs taken with the patient in different positions. This examination is usually done following an ultrasound which indicates abnormalities of the biliary system.

Question 38

Mammography

Answer 38

A radiographic examination of the breast. Patient/equipment is placed in two or three different positions.