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Radiography for Veterinary Technicians > X-Ray Production and Equipment > Flashcards

X-Ray Production and Equipment Flashcards

1
Q

What energy is the most important in terms of radiographs/x-rays?

A

Electrical Energy

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2
Q

The electromagnetic spectrum is broken down into what 3 components?

A

-Energy (EV)
-Frequency (Hz)
-Wave-length (λ)

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3
Q

X-rays are similar in nature to visible light but with much ___ wavelengths which gives them ___ energy.

A

-Shorter
-Greater

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4
Q

X-rays are the result of:

A

The high impact of a large volume of heated negatively charged electrons with a hard surface. The electrons rupture with the conversion of electrons to x-radiation.

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5
Q

X-ray machines consist of:

A

-X-ray tube head (contains anode, cathode, glass enclosure, and window)
-X-ray control center
-Tabletop
-Bucky tray
-Transformer
-Generator

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6
Q

What does the cathode consist of?

A

Usually 2 filaments similar to an incandescent light bulb. Filaments are made of thoriated tungsten

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7
Q

What is a benefit of using thoriated tungsten?

A

It has a very high melting point (6,170 °F).

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8
Q

Describe what occurs with the cathode filaments when pressing the pre-exposure button.

A

Pressing the button causes the filaments to become hot. When this occurs, the electrons excite and start to move rapidly back and forth. When electrons reach peak excitement, they are released into the anode.

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9
Q

Where are the filaments located?

A

Inside the focusing cup - this allows for the excited electrons to be released in a straight pattern directed towards a focused target on the anode.

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10
Q

What occurs when there is no focusing cup?

A

Electrons leave the cathode and move in all directions towards the anode rather than a focused target. This tends to result in a radiograph that lacks quality.

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11
Q

What are the 2 types of anodes?

A

Stationary and Rotating. Most standard stationary X-ray machines have a rotating anode

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12
Q

Anodes are ___ charged structures that attract the ___ electrons released from the cathode.

A

-Positive
-Negative

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13
Q

When activated, rotating anodes will rotate between ___.

A

3,200-3,600 rpms

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14
Q

___ is the sound you hear when preparing to take a radiograph.

A

Rotation

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15
Q

Most anodes found in x-ray machines are made of a ___.

A

Tungsten molybdenum alloy - allows for great heat absorption and distribution which decreases the wear and tear on the anode

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16
Q

List the benefits of a rotating anode

A

-Great heat resistance
-Dissipation of heat due to rotation increases the life of the anode
-Rotating anode also serves as an electrical conduction unit to complete the circuit of electricity and as the site for the electron target

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17
Q

The rotating anode is a ___-shaped structure with an angled edge.

A

Disc

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18
Q

What does the disc-shaped structure in the rotating allow?

A

It allows the electrons to strike the anode target and direct the X-ray beam down to the patient

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19
Q

List the drawbacks of a rotating anode

A

-Often big and bulky and do allow movement of machine
-Have a set degree of angulation which results in partial limitation of X-ray beam on the anode side of the tube versus the cathode side.

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20
Q

The stationary anode serves the same purpose as the rotating anode except __ is used instead of tungsten and an __ used in place of the disc.

A

-Copper
-Angled block

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21
Q

List the drawbacks of a stationary anode.

A

-Greater concern for heat buildup and potential pitting of anode block
-Adequate cooling time must be allowed prior to next exposure
-Doesn’t allow for thick structures to be radiographed due to limited settings of machine and capacity of the anode to withstand heat

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22
Q

The conversion rate for the energy from electrons at the time of contact with the anode results in the production of __% heat and __% X-rays.

A

-99% heat
-1% X-rays

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23
Q

The anode and cathode are both located within a ___ that provides a ___ area.

A

-Glass enclosure
-Vacuum

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24
Q

What does the vacuum area in the glass enclosure do?

A

Prevents dust particles from interfering with electron movement from cathode to anode and movement of the X-ray from the anode to the patient

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25
Q

To aid in ___, the outer portion of the glass is surrounded by ___ that helps reduce the heat of the glass enclosure

A

-Heat dissipation
-Oil

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26
Q

What does a collimating device do?

A

Restricts the size of the X-ray beam and thus also reduces the amount of scatter radiation

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27
Q

Where is the Bucky tray located?

A

Below the table

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28
Q

What does a bucky tray do?

A

Holds the X-ray film cassette under the tabletop while taking the radiograph

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29
Q

Where is the transformer located?

A

Under the x-ray table

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30
Q

Most radiograph units run on ___ volts.

A

220 volts

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31
Q

In order for the radiograph unit to heat the filament enough to adequately excite the electrons, the step-up transformer raises the voltage from ___ to approximately ___ volts

A

220 to 125,000 volts

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32
Q

Once the step-up transformer has increased the volts in the machine, the step-down or filament transformer reduces the number of volts to ___.

A

A pre-set number selected by the technician when the milliamperage (mA) was selected

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33
Q

Why are rectifiers important?

A

In the U.S., electrical current is transmitted as an alternating current. Just as with a waveform, there is a positive movement and a negative movement. The cathode only receives positive movements; so without the rectifiers, the X-ray machine only receives half of the current that reaches the machine.

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34
Q

Describe half-wave rectification.

A

-Allows for electrons to move from the cathode to the anode on the positive movement of the incoming current
-Results in a short exposure time
-Usually seen in portable units commonly used for equine medicine

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35
Q

Describe full-wave rectifiers.

A

-Full-wave rectifiers convert the negative movement into a positive movement, so both positive and negative movements are able to be used during X-ray production
-Faster times can be used with full-wave rectifiers, and more X-rays are produced compared to the half-wave unit

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36
Q

Describe the 3-phase approach in rectifiers.

A

-Results in a more continuous movement, which allows for higher energy, more electrons, and more constant energy in the X-ray beam

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37
Q

Radiology logs generally include:

A

-Client’s name
-Patient’s name
-Body part being radiographed
-Position
-kVp and mAs settings used
-Initials or signatures of technician

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38
Q

What is a DICOM?

A

-Digital imaging and communications in medicine
-Universally accepted format for the dispersion and storing of medical information

39
Q

What are the 2 main types of X-ray units and what kind of anodes do they have?

A

-Portable: Contains a non-rotating anode
-Non-portable: Contains a rotating anode

40
Q

What factor is required to determine the needed X-ray unit?

A

-Evaluation of caseload
-A low-volume clinic may only use the X-ray machine for large animal extremities and only a couple of times per week; a portable unit would be best suited for this clinic
-If the clinic is a high-volume clinic with limited large animal work, a stationary unit is most likely the best purchase for that clinic

41
Q

A number of values that can be adjusted on the X-ray machine to obtain the optimal image. These adjustment areas include:

A

-milliamperage (mA)
-kilovoltage (kV)
-time seconds (s)

42
Q

What is milliamperage?

A

Setting used to control the quantity of electrons that is produced and released from the filament during X-ray production

43
Q

How do adjustments to milliamperage affect a radiograph?

A

-When an adjustment is made to the mA, the density of the finished radiograph is affected
-When the mA is increased, the radiograph density or degree of blackness is increased
-When the mA is decreased, the overall radiograph density is lightened, and the film is less black
-Many times the mA adjustment is compared to that of a toaster: If the setting is increased, the toast becomes dark black and if the toaster is set at a lighter setting, the toast is not as dark

44
Q

Most stationary small animal units are capable of using a setting between ___ mAs, whereas a large animal portable unit may only produce ___ mAs

A

-50-300 mAs
-10-20 mAs

45
Q

What does kilovoltage (kV) refer to?

A

-Refers to the energy of the electrons when they reach the anode and is also referred to as Peak Kilovoltage (kVp) or peak kilovoltage

46
Q

What does kV control?

A

Quality of the X-ray beam

47
Q

Describe higher kV.

A

-Higher the kV, the more penetrating power the X-ray beam will have
-Thicker the tissue, the greater the kV needed to penetrate the tissue and reach the cassette and film

48
Q

kV can affect the ___ of the radiograph due to the number of X-rays that pass through the patient.

A

Density

49
Q

Most veterinary X-ray units are able to produce between ___ and ___ kV.

A

40-150 kV

50
Q

kV is usually associated with the ___ of the image.

A

Contrast

51
Q

Contrast refers to ___.

A

The shades of gray that are produced on the finished radiograph

52
Q

Generally speaking, a ___ kV and ___ mA setting is used for soft tissue, such as abdominal and thoracic imaging.

A

-Higher
-Lower

53
Q

___ kV and ___ mA settings are used for extremities where sharper differences are needed with fewer shades of gray.

A

-Lower
-Higher

54
Q

The ___ gray scale that is present, the higher the quality of the image.

A

More

55
Q

___ contrast allows for small differences in tissues to be better visualized due to the subtle differences in scale.

A

Higher

56
Q

What is time (s)?

A

The duration in seconds (s) that the anode has a positive charge and is receiving electrons

57
Q

Time and mA are closely related in that the longer the time the anode is positively charged, the ___ electrons that are produced from the cathode.

A

More

58
Q

In order to reduce the risk of blur due to patient movement during X-ray expo- sure, it is best to use a ___ mA and the ___ time possible.

A

-High
-Lowest

59
Q

Many X-ray machines have a setting that is the mathematical combination of both milliamperage (mA) x time (s) and is indicated on the X-ray machine as ___.

A

mAs

60
Q

An mA of 100 and a time setting of 1/10 second produces ___.

A

10 mAs

61
Q

If the machine is set at 200 mA and 1/20 of a second, this results in ___ mAs, but this mAs would have less of a chance of blur due to patient motion because of the ___ exposure time.

A

-10 mAs
-Shorter

62
Q

Explain what happens from pressing the pre-exposure switch to pressing the exposure button.

A

-The X-ray machine has a pre-exposure switch that allows the cathode to charge the filament and start to excite the electrons
-This is occurring as the anode starts to rotate (if stationary)
-Once the machine has enough electrons excited and the anode is at the correct speed, the X-ray light illuminates notifying the technician that the X-rays can be released
-As the exposure button is depressed, the electrons are released from the cathode, striking the anode, and are directed down toward the patient and cassette

63
Q

What can cassettes be made of?

A

-Plastic
-Light metal
-Graphite

64
Q

What are the criteria for X-ray cassettes?

A

-Be sturdy under the patient’s weight to prevent cracking
-Be weather resistant (cold and heat)
-Be inflexible (no warping or bending)
-Have secure, properly functioning latches
-Have a radiolucent front cover
-Contain a lead foil backing to absorb and decrease scatter radiation
-Contain a washable outer covering
Ensure good intensifying screen contact

65
Q

Where are intensifying screens located?

A

Inside the cassette

66
Q

What color are intensifying screens and what are they made of?

A

-White with a smooth shiny surface
-Made from tiny crystals that fluoresce once exposed to X-rays

67
Q

X-ray film is more sensitive to ___ than radiation, therefore the use of intensifying screens helps ___ the amount of radiation needed to produce a diagnostic image.

A

-Standard light
-Decrease

68
Q

Intensifying screen also helps ___ the contrast of the image, resulting in an improved radiographic detail.

A

Increase

69
Q

Describe the structural components of intensifying screens.

A

-Each screen is made of a cardboard or Mylar backing
-Reflecting layer of the screen is made of titanium dioxide, which helps reflect the light from the active layer of the screen back to the film
-Also has plastic coating on the screens that helps reduce static electricity and allows the screens to be cleaned

70
Q

Describe intensifying screen care.

A

-Screens should be cleaned on a monthly basis or more often if they become dirty or artifacts are present on the finished radiographs
-These screens contain sensitive material and should only be cleaned with an approved cleaning agent
-Intensifying screens do not last forever with most screens failing after about 10–15 years of regular use with appropriate care

71
Q

What is screen speed?

A

-Intensifying screens are described based on the speed of the screen
-Screen speed is what allows the crystals to convert X-rays into visible light to be used by the film
-The speed is associated with the amount of radiation needed to produce an image on the film

72
Q

What screen types can be used in veterinary medicine?

A

-Fast
-Regular
-Medium
-Par
-Detailed

73
Q

Describe fast screens.

A

-Require less radiation than medium or par screens to produce the same degree of blackness
-Benefit of fast screens is the decreased amount of radiation used
-Drawback of fast screens is that the image detail is poorer than medium/par screens
-Have large crystals, which allows for the decrease in radiation but results in decreased image quality

74
Q

Describe slow or detailed screens.

A

-Have small crystals that, although they require more radiation, produce a much greater detailed image and better resolution
-Detailed screens are usually used in bird and exotic animal radiography

75
Q

What imaging are medium or par screens used for?

A

Small animal imaging

76
Q

Intensifying screens have the potential to produce either a ___ or ___ color when contacted by X-rays.

A

-Blue
-Green

77
Q

Rare earth phosphors, such as lanthanum oxybromide and gadolinium oxysulfide, produce light that is found in the ___ color spectrum.

A

-Green

78
Q

With rare earth phosphors, ___ radiation is needed than that of the older phosphors.

A

-Less

79
Q

What are the benefits of rare earth phosphors?

A

-Rare earth phosphors are able to absorb more X-rays per crystal and produce more light per absorbed photon

-Decreased exposure time
-Decreased motion artifacts
-Improved contrast
-Increased tube life due to decreased tube current
-Reduced patient radiation dose

80
Q

What is the function of the grid?

A

-To decrease scatter radiation while increasing the contrast of the radiograph

81
Q

Using a grid requires an ___ in time because ___.

A

-Increase
-The grid does absorb some of the primary X-ray beam

82
Q

As the thickness of the area being radiographed increases, the kVp needs to be ___.

A

-Increased

83
Q

When the thickness of an area is greater than ___, a grid should be used to help reduce scatter radiation

A

-10cm

84
Q

Grid function and quality is determined by a ___.

A

Ratio

85
Q

Grids with a higher ratio absorb more scatter radiation, so an ___ in mAs is needed to compensate for the increased grid ratio.

A

Increase

86
Q

What are the 2 types of grids?

A

-Parallel
-Focused

87
Q

Describe parallel grids.

A

-Have lead strips that are set perpendicular to the surface
-Allows the X-rays to penetrate through the grid while absorbing X-rays where the strips are located

88
Q

What is a disadvantage to parallel grids?

A

-X-ray beam is released from the tube head and there is a divergence at an increasing angle
-This results in a decrease in the amount of X-ray reaching the outer edge of the grid and film
-Referred to as grid cutoff

89
Q

Describe focused grids.

A

-Focused grids have lead strips that are placed in increasing angles to match that of the divergence of the X-ray beam

90
Q

What is an advantage of focused grids?

A

-An unobstructed amount of X-rays penetrate through the center and edges, as long as the grid is parallel to the axis of the strips
-These grids can only be used at specific focal-film distances set by the manufacturer

91
Q

What is a caliper used for?

A

Used to assist in measuring the area of the body that is to be radiographed

92
Q

When using a caliper, the measurement of the animal should be taken ___.

A

Over the widest portion that is to be radiographed while the animal is in the position that it will be in when radiographed

93
Q

What information should films should be labeled with the at a minimum?

A

-Name of practice
-Date of exposure
-Patient name
-Owner first and last name
-Some clinics also record the image taken and staff present during exposure

Radiography for Veterinary Technicians (7 decks)

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