Radiograph equipment

Question 1

which type of anode allows for the use of higher mA and kVp settings without concern for anode damage?

Answer 1

rotating anodes

Question 2

how often should x-ray machines be tested for quality assurance?

Answer 2

every 2 years

Question 3

mA

Answer 3

milliamperage

Question 4

kV

Answer 4

kilovoltage

Question 5

s or mAs

Answer 5

time

Question 6

what does the mA setting do?

Answer 6

it’s used to control the quality of electrons that will be produced and released from the filament
when an adjustment is made to the mA, the density of the finished radiograph is affected

Question 7

what is the density of the radiograph like when using a higher mA setting?

Answer 7

increased density and degree of blackness

Question 8

what is the density of the radiograph like when using a lower mA setting?

Answer 8

the density is lightened and the film is less black

Question 9

what does kV refer to?

Answer 9

the energy of the electrons when they reach the anode

Question 10

what does the kV setting do?

Answer 10

controls the acceleration of electrons and their striking energy or quality of the x-ray beam

Question 11

higher kVp=

Answer 11

more penetrating power that the x-ray beam will have

Question 12

what kVp setting is needed for thicker tissues?

Answer 12

increased kVp is needed to penetrate the tissue and reach the cassette

Question 13

contrast

Answer 13

shades of gray that are produced on the finished radiograph
greater number of shades of gray present, the higher the quality of the image will be

Question 14

what are higher kVp and lower mA settings used for?

Answer 14

soft tissue

Question 15

what are lower kVp and higher mA settings used for?

Answer 15

extremities where sharper differences are needed with fewer shades of gray

Question 16

time

Answer 16

duration that controls the quantity of electrons released

Question 17

what settings are used to reduce risk of blur due to patient movement?

Answer 17

higher mA and lowest time possible

Question 18

how do you work the pedal when taking an x-ray?

Answer 18

push it half-way down to initiate pre-exposure switch and begin exciting the electrons while the anode starts to rotate
once the machine has enough excited electrons and the anode is at the correct speed the x-ray light will illuminate
as the foot pedal is fully depressed the electrons are released from the cathode, striking the anode and are directed down toward the patient and the cassette

Question 19

what are cassettes used for in radiographs?

Answer 19

the blank film is placed inside of it to protect it from light exposure
can be plastic, light metal, or graphite

Question 20

what are the criteria a cassette has to fit to be used for radiographs?

Answer 20

sturdy under patient’s weight, weather resistant, inflexible, have secure properly functioning latches, have a radiolucent front cover, contain lead foil backing to absorb and decrease scatter radiation, contain a washable outer covering, ensure good intensifying screen contact

Question 21

what is inside the cassette?

Answer 21

intensifying screens that are white with a smooth shiny surface and made from tiny crystals that fluoresce once exposed
helps increase the contrast of an image

Question 22

what are the different intensifying screen speeds?

Answer 22

fast, regular, medium, par, and detailed

Question 23

what does the grid do?

Answer 23

decreases scatter radiation while increasing contrast
using a grid requires more time since the grid absorbs some of the primary x-ray beam

Question 24

what is the grid made of?

Answer 24

thin linear strips of alternating radiodense (lead) and radiolucent material (plastic, aluminum, fiber)

Question 25

what is the ideal grid ratio?

Answer 25

8:1 (103 lines per 2.5 cm)
determined from height of strip in relationship to width of radiolucent spaces

Question 26

what are the different grid types?

Answer 26

parallel: have lead strips that are set perpendicular to the surface (allows x-rays to penetrate through grid while absorbing x-rays where strips are located)
focused: have lead strips that are placed in increasing angles (unobstructed number of x-rays penetrate through the center and edges)

Question 27

what are calipers used for?

Answer 27

measuring the area of the body that is to be radiographed
measurement should be taken over the widest portion that is to be radiographed while animal is in the position it will be in when radiographed

Question 28

what are the image markers used for?

Answer 28

to identify right/left side or dorsal-ventral/ ventral-dorsal of the patient

Question 29

how should films be labelled?

Answer 29

name of vet practice, date of exposure, patient name, and owner first and last name

Question 30

what are the methods for film labelling?

Answer 30

lead numbers and letters placed on cassette during film exposure
graphite impregnated tape
light flasher system (most common): info is written/typed onto a card that is placed into an imprinter