Radiographic positioning

Question 1

Radiographic positioning

Answer 1

Avoid manual restraint whenever possible
Use manual restraint when able/indicated
Use positioning and restraint aids as possible
Use behaviour, restraint, and positioning principles to limit exposure to the radiographer
Ensure all staff involved are wearing ALL appropriate PPE
Understanding anatomy of the species and proper terminology is essential

Question 2

How to tell the beam direction by there abbreviations

Answer 2

The abbreviated terms used for the position designates the direction of the x-ray beam
The first letter designates where the x-ray beam entered the body and the second letter designates where it exited

Question 3

Patient positioning

Answer 3

Comfort and welfare of patient should be considered at all times
Patience is vital
Constantly assess and monitor the patient
Have any required supplies or monitoring equipment nearby
Wear protective equipment
Plan the procedure
Set everything up before putting patient on the table
Use positioning devices/aids

Question 4

Patient Positioning- basic criteria

Answer 4

Include full anatomy of area of interest and know peripheral borders that should be included
4 main factors must be considered:
Welfare of the patient
Restraint and immobilization of the patient
Minimal trauma to area of interest
Least risk of radiation exposure to restrainers

Question 5

Measurement

Answer 5

Calliper is used to measure anatomic area of interest
In most cases the measurement should be made over the area of interest’s thickest part

Question 6

Film identification

Answer 6

Proper labelling of a radiograph is mandatory for legal and practical reasons
The film identification must include the following:
Owner and patient ID
Date of Radiograph Examination
Name and Location of Facility
Veterinarian
Positioning Marker(s)
Placement of the label is also important
Anatomic areas that are symmetric or anatomically identical to another area are difficult to distinguish without proper labelling

Question 7

Markers

Answer 7

When a marker is placed on a cassette for a craniocaudal or caudocranial (or DP/PD) view it should be placed on the lateral aspect of the extremity
In DV or VD views the marker should be placed on the cassette to identify one side or the other
When a lateral projection of thorax or abdomen is taken, the marker should indicate the side that is down on the cassette
When a lateral projection of an extremity is taken the marker should be placed cranially (or dorsally) to the leg
If both legs are in same radiograph, use the marker of the leg in contact with the cassette (downside)
It is also important to mark sequential radiographs with the appropriate numbers that identify time elapsed or order taken

Question 8

Viewing radiographs

Answer 8

When setting up radiographs for your veterinarian to view always place as follows:
LAT – cranial part of animal is to your left, in “standing” position
DV/VD – cranial part of animal points up, and animal is positioned as were on table
OBL – proximal part of limb points up and cranial/dorsal aspect to your left
DP/PD/CrCD/CdCr – proximal end of extremity points up