Radiographic Nomenclature Flashcards
converts image information into numerical data
ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter)
ionization chamber located between the patient and the image receptor
AEC (Automatic Exposure Control)
mathematical formula used by the computer to construct the radiographic image
algorithm
positive electrode in the x-ray tube
anode
exposure technique is set by the radiographer by choosing the proper anatomic part and projection on the control panel
APR; APT (Anatomically Programmed Radiography; Anatomically Programmed Technique)
an unwanted marking on a radiographic image
artifact
also known as positive beam limitation (PBL)
Automatic Collimation
the ability of the radiographic equipment to collimate automatically the x-ray beam to the same size as the image receptor resting in the Bucky tray
Automatic Collimation
either 1 or 0; the computer’s unit of information
bit binary digit
the number of shades of gray available within a pixel
bit depth
effect of motion on the radiographic image
blur
the amount of light coming from the monitor on which the radiographic image is displayed
brightness, image brightness
short for Potter-Bucky diaphragm
Bucky
a moving grid used from the monitor on which the radiographic image is displayed
Bucky
container used for holding the imaging plate in computed radiography (CR)
cassette
box-like structure attached to the x-ray tube containing lead shutters that limit the x-ray beam to a specific area of the body
collimator
negative electrode in the x-ray tube
cathode
solutions or gasses introduced into the body to increase the scale of contrast, making more detail visible
contrast media
negative contrast medium
air
positive contrast medium
barium and iodine
digital radiographic imaging using a cassette containing an imaging plate
Computed Radiography (CR)
the visible difference on between two selected areas of brightness in the radiographic image; allows details to be visible
contrast
a standard protocol used for blending a picture achieving and communications system and various imaging modalities
DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine)
a measure of the total radiation exposure to the patient, extrapolated from the dose in the air just above the patient
DAP (Dose Area Product)
the ability of an image receptor to capture the x-ray photons leaving the patient
dynamic range
the smallest change in signal that can be detected by the image receptor
contrast resolution
uses fixed detectors that directly communicate with a computer
Direct Radiography (DR)
misrepresentation of the size or shape of the object as recorded in the radiographic image
distortion
describes the status of the exposure and diagnostic value of the digital image
exposure indicator
“live action” imaging when the x-ray beam is on, creating images of the body as it functions and displaying those images on a monitor
fluoroscopy
area of the anode in the x-ray tube from which x-rays emanate
focal spot (focal track)
device that is placed between the patient and the image receptor that absorbs scatter radiation exiting the body
grid
hospital information system
HIS
an international standard for communicating medical information
HL7 (Health Level Seven)
graphic display of the distribution of pixel values in a digital image
histogram
any device or medium that captures the remnant beam
Imaging Receptor (IR)
plate that is coated with photostimulable phosphors that absorb the photon energies exiting the patient; located inside a CR cassette
Imaging Plate (IP)
applied to the x-ray tube, which determines the wavelength of the x-ray beam and its ability to penetrate the body, impacting the over-all contrast of the radiographic image
kVp (Peak Kilovoltage)
required to be worn for radiation protection when performing portable radiography
lead aprons
coverings worn by radiographers who are in a radiographic or fluoroscopic room with the x-ray beam turned on; the lead absorbs most of the scatter radiation that strikes the apron
lead apron
the product of milliamperage and time
mAs (Milliampere-Seconds)
the current that is passed through x-ray tube, whose energy is then converted to x-rays when it strikes the anode; it determines the number of x-rays produced and, consequently, the overall exposure striking the image receptor
mA (milliampere
digital image that is made up of rows and columns of data
matrix
radiation exposure to the patient is ____________ to the mAs used
directly proportional
distance from the part being examined to the image receptor
OID (Object to Image Receptor Distance)
imaging patients in locations other than an x-ray room, such as the patient’s room or operating room (see surgical radiography)
mobile radiography, portable radiography
because of presence of scatter radiation, the radiographer is required to wear a ______ and ____________
dosimeter and lead apron
picture archiving and communications system
PACS
picture element; the smallest component of a matrix
pixel
digital manipulation of a radiographic image after its acquisition by the computer
postprocessing
coating on the imaging plate of a computed radiography cassette
PSP (Photostimulable Phosphor)
x-ray image as viewed on a monitor after acquisition
radiographic image
specific position of the body or body part in relation to the table or image receptor
radiographic position
path the x-ray beam takes as it passes through the body; described as if the body is in the anatomical position
radiographic projection
used to explain how the image receptor sees the body image; the opposite of the radiographic projection
radiographic view
x-ray beam that exits the patient; is made up of image-forming rays and scatter radiation
remnant beam (exit radiation)
RIS
Radiology Information System
x-ray emanating from the patient in divergent paths rather than straight to the image receptor
scatter radiation
the source of the radiographer’s occupational dose, requiring the wearing of a lead apron and dosimeter for fluoroscopy and mobile radiography
scatter radiation
the sharpness of the structural edges in the radiographic image; the smallest detail that can be detected
spatial resolution
distance from the source of radiation (x-ray tube anode) to the image recceptor
SID (source-to-image receptor distance)
distance from the source of radiation (x-ray tube anode) to the part being examined
SOD (source-to-object distance)
radiographic procedures performed by the radiographer in the operating room, usually using a C-arm (portable fluoroscope)
surgical radiography
the three cardinal principles of radiation protection least amount of time exposed, greatest distance from the source of radiation, use of lead or other barriers to shield
time, distance, shielding
volume element; section of tissue represented by a pixel
voxel
midpoint of densities in a digital image; used to adjust digital image brightness
window level
adjusts contrast of the digital image
window width
location of the monitor on which radiographic images are displayed
workstation of radiologist or radiographer
a form of electromagnetic radiation at wavelength that can penetrate matter
x-∆ray
