Simplifying and Standardizing Technique Flashcards
What does a standardized approach to imaging provide?
Consistency from one image to the next, which helps troubleshoot when imaging errors need to be investigated
What are the 3 phases of standardization?
- Standardization of projections
- Standarization of Exposure factors
- Standardization of imag processing
What is the standardization of projections?
A set of standard views determined by radiology departments
What should the standardization of projections include?
- Central ray positioning
- Collimation settings
- Image receptor sizes
How are standardization of exposure factors recorded?
Using technique charts which should be displayed throughout the department
What should technique charts include?
The input from all techs who use it and be flexible enough to conside the size of parts/patients
What average technique charts work for 90% of patients?
Technique charts for distal extremeties and the skull
What are the development requirements for a technique chart?
- Input from all radiographers
- Regular equiptment callibration
- Updates every 6 months
- No modification by individual radiographers
What it the most important reason to use a technique chart?
So more consistent radiographic quality is achieved
What are the secondary benefits of technique charts?
- Professionalism is enhanced
- Department costs for repeats can be cut
- Radiation exposure to patient can be cut
What are the two kVp approaches to standardized exposure factors?
- Fixed kVp
- Variable kVp
What is a fixed kVp?
When the KV is kept the same (low) based on part thickness and only mAs is adjusted accordingly
Why is fixed kVp less relevant now?
Less relevant now that contrast is determined by the digital system
What is a variable kVp formula?
When kVp is set to two times the measured by plus base 60
What is the kVp that should be used for a part measuring 13 cm?
kVp = 2(13) + 60
kVp = 26+ 60
kVp = 86
When using variable kVp, what is the genereal rule that should be applied to kVp?
Minimum kvp values still need to be met to ensure adequate penetration of the part
How is mAs impacted by variable kVp?
mAs will need to be adjusted for different body areas
What are the special considerations for chest xrays when it comes to kVp?
- minimum kVp of 110 should be used for PA
- minimum kVp of 120 should be used for lateral
- Lower kVp should be used for portable cxr’s due to battery limitations
What are the special considerations for pediatric chest imaging when it comes to kVp?
No technique change is needed when switching from AP to lateral projections for babies with circular torsos
What are the special considerations for lumbar imaging when it comes to kVp?
A oblique lumbar projection requires double the exposure
What are the special considerations for part thickness when it comes to techniques?
- every 4cm change in part thickness requires double the exposure which can be achieved by a 15% increase in Kvp
How is image processing standardized?
- Use of different algoriths
- APRs
- DR procedureal algorithms
What are APRs?
Programmed techniques that come up when you select a specific projection