Week Three: Positioning Principles and Tips

Question 1

How does collimating the beam improve film quality?

Answer 1

Reduces scatter and fog

Question 2

Which side should be faced down (toward the cassette) when taking a rad? (affected or non-affected)

Answer 2

Clinically affected side down

Question 3

Why do we put the affected side down when taking a rad?

Answer 3

Sharpens the image, reduces enlargement, helps keep anatomy as parallel to the cassette as possible to reduce geometric distortion

Question 4

What is a benefit from a standing lateral x-ray?

Answer 4

Gravity will help find free fluid

Question 5

Explain how the animal should be positioned for a lateral thorax x-ray.
(include forelimbs, hindlimbs, recumbency, borders, measure, center)

Answer 5

Forelimbs: Extend cranially, nose between legs
Hindlimbs: Extend caudally
Recumbency: Lateral
Borders: Cr. at thoracic inlet, Ca. last rib/caudal to xiphoid
Measure: Thickest area of thoracic cavity (between 4th and 6th rib)
Center: Where heart is, caudal border of scapula, between 4th and 6th rib

Question 6

Explain how the animal should be positioned for a lateral abdominal x-ray
(Include forelimbs, hindlimbs, recumbency, borders, measure, and when the best time to take is)

Answer 6

Forelimbs: Extend cranially, nose between legs
Hindlimbs: Extend caudally
Recumbency: Lateral
Borders:Cr. Cranial to xiphoid, 12th-13th rib, Ca. head to femur
Measure: Thickest area
Best time: Expiration