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The Ins and Outs of a Radiology

Concepts, Equipment and Safety--------Week 1 (Red)

Dental Imaging------------Week 2 (Green)

Quality Assurance and Digital Imaging-----Week 3 (Blue)

Large animal diagnostic imaging, contrast studies and ultrasound-------------Week 4 (Purple)

OFA radiographs, patient positioning for all diagnostic radiographs------------Week 5 (Orange)

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I would say that the most challenging experience(s) of this course would have to be learning how to say that it's okay if it's not 100% perfect all the time and OFA radiographs. I can be a bit of a perfectionist at times and know that I can do better so it frustrates me when it doesn't turn out good or as I had hoped. Doing OFA radiographs was easier said than done but of course I had to tell myself that I just need to learn from my mistakes next time. It was very easy to find that you may have over rotated the patient's legs too much or you didn't extend the patients legs caudally enough even though it seemed like you had. My favorite activity during this course was getting to experience an in depth knowledge of ultrasound with Dr. Holan. I didn't know much before about ultrasound but Dr. Holan was very knowledgeable, thorough, and patient when teaching us. I liked that the kidneys looked like tomatoes! Lastly, the most surprising learning experience was how veterinary personnel used to do darkroom film/processing. In the human world, it's easy for them to tell their patients to sit still in a certain position to grab a film but our patients don't abide by those rules. Having to do normal films that the doctor orders through the day, OFA radiographs and even dentals the older way boggles my mind. Technology has seriously come a long way.

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Brown, M., Ed, M. B. R. B. A., & Brown, L. (2021). Lavin’s radiography for veterinary technicians. Elsevier.

About us | OFA. (2022, January 17). OFA. https://ofa.org/about/

HIP Screening Procedures - OFA. (2022, January 20). OFA. https://ofa.org/diseases/hip-dysplasia/hip-screening-procedures/

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Knowing anatomy and physiology is essential for performing effective veterinary dental imaging in a clinical setting. By understanding the anatomy of the oral cavity which includes the maxilla, roots and sinuses, it allows the veterinary professionals to correctly position the patient and angle the x-ray beam for the best possible image quality. Knowing the locations and number of tooth roots in different species and breeds helps in interpreting dental radiographs and being on the lookout for issues such as abscesses, retained roots, or fractures. Knowledge with normal physiological variations can help distinguish between developmental issues and progress of some diseases. By understanding the structure of soft tissues, like nasal passages, it ensures that imaging avoids unnecessary exposure too. In conclusion, by understanding oral anatomy and physiology it enhances diagnostic accuracy, treatment planning, and outcomes in veterinary dentistry.

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Compare and contrast the difference between the process and positioning for an OFA hip film vs a PennHip film.

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Compare and contrast the difference between the process and positioning for an OFA hip film vs a PennHip film.

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OFA Hip Film

Purpose

Detect hip dysplasia and evaluate joint congruency

Minimum Age

24 months for official certification

Sedation

Required

Positioning

Single view VD, extended leg view

PennHIP

Purpose

Measure hip looseness and assess risk of future hip dysplasia

Minimum age

16 weeks (4 months); earlier dx possible

Sedation

Required

Positioning

VD hip extended view, distraction view and compression view

Comparisons

Evaluates animals hips for hip dysplasia, maintains adequate health genetic traits among animals, and uses sedation to get proper x-rays

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The OFA or Orthopedic Foundation for Animals was founded as a private, not-for-profit foundation in 1966 by John Olin who was an avid sportsman, hunter, and field trial participant. Hip dysplasia started to impact the performance of his dogs so, he had a meeting with the veterinary community as to how they could limits this disease. Their goal is to promote the health and welfare of companion animals through a reduction in the incidence of genetic disease and they do this by evaluating and certify radiographs. The OFA not only reviews diagnostic radiographs of pets hips but also of elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation and spinal anomalies. Three board-certified vet radiologists independently grade the images as excellent, good, fair, borderline, mild, moderate, or severe dysplasia. The OFA also maintains a public health database like testing animals for various health traits which allows breeders, buyers and vets to verify health certifications. The OFA certifications are used by responsible breeders to select dogs with healthy traits and reduce inherited diseases. Lastly, they support research, education and promote responsible pet ownership.

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Describe in detail the process of successfully taking a quality OFA hip and elbow film.

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Describe in detail the process of successfully taking a quality OFA hip and elbow film.

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OFA HIP

1.) Patient Preparation

Dog must be at least 24 months old for OFA certification

Sedation/anesthesia to get good positioning

2.) Views

Ventrodorsal extended-leg view of pelvis

3.) Positioning

Place patient in dorsal recumbency. Pelvis must be symmetric with patellae centered over femurs, foramina should be equal in shape/size, wings of ilia should be mirror images.

Hing limbs extended fully and rotated medially so femurs are parallel to each other and table. Use positioning aids to help maintain proper position and use proper PPE and stay out of beam.

4.)Beam center and collimation

Center beam over pubic symphysis at level of greater trochanters. this should have the entire pelvis, femurs down to the stifles, and patellae fully visible and centered.

5.) Use high mAs and low kVp to get good contrast and details and to ensure adequate exposure to see fine bony detail.

6.) Labeling and Submission

Registered name and/or number, date, owner or hospital name, right/left markers

Submit radiographs to OFA, either digitally or hard copies with application and fee

OFA Elbow

1.) Patient Preparation

Sedation

Minimum age should be 12 months but some breeds like bulldogs can be done at 24 months.

2.) Views

Mediolateral flexed view of each elbow joint

3.) Positioning

Placed in lateral with affected limb down, flex elbow fully so carpus touches neck/thorax.

Opposite limb pulled caudally out of beam and ensure humerus, radius/ulna are superimposed with no rotation

4.) Beam center/collimation

Center beam over medial epicondyle of humerus and collimate to include distal humerus, elbow joint, proximal radius, and ulna

5.) Use high detailed settings as proper contrast is essential to view the anconeal process, coronoid process and joint status

6.) Labeling/Processing

Radiographs labeled right and left and each elbow should have been x-rayed individually. Include permanent ID markers, submit application and fee.

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Week 5: OFA radiographs, patient positioning for all diagnostic radiographs.

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Week 5: OFA radiographs, patient positioning for all diagnostic radiographs.

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OFA radiographs, patient positioning for all diagnostic radiographs.

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Brown, M., Ed, M. B. R. B. A., & Brown, L. (2021). Lavin’s radiography for veterinary technicians. Elsevier.

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Understanding anatomy and physiology is important when performing large animal diagnostic imaging because it gives accurate positioning, image interpretation, and diagnosis. Having knowledge of skeletal landmarks we can do correct limb positioning for potential joint or fracture exams. Since large animals cannot always be restrained like small animals, knowing of musculoskeletal and nervous systems can aid in handling and care of our patients. Physiologically, blood flow and muscle function, also help in interpreting subtle changes that may be beneficial. Overall, knowing large animal anatomy and physiology allows us to achieve high-quality diagnostic images safely while minimizing stress for both patient and handler. In Contrast radiography, it's important to know anatomy and physiology for technique and interpretation. Knowing the difference between the GI tract or urinary tract can help pinpoint issues like foreign bodies or tumors that could be present. On more of the ins and outs of an animal's body it's important to note how renal filtration or the GI tract can affect the movement of the contrast throughout the body which can help lead us to our diagnosis. Misdiagnosis can occur if we aren't familiar with how these contrasts can move throughout the body. If we used barium sulfate for a GI study and there was perforation we need to understand what that looks like and how. Additionally, safe administration of the contrasts requires awareness of vascular and organ function to prevent those complications. For ultrasound imaging, anatomy and physiology are relied on immensely. Compared to x-rays, ultrasounds give us views of moving structures like the heart or bladder whereas x-rays are a 2-D picture. We can see our animal anatomy in a picture. We must be able to distinguish between the landmarks, artifacts and structures on ultrasounds or something could be missed. Changes in how the bladder fills, how the cardiac cycle functions and the stages of pregnancy.

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Discuss the concept of ultrasound and describe in detail how it differs from a radiographic image. Include patient preparation.

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Discuss the concept of ultrasound and describe in detail how it differs from a radiographic image. Include patient preparation.

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The concept of ultrasounds is to get a real-time view of soft tissues and organs of an animal. Ultrasounds use high-frequency sound waves to give vets that internal view of organ shape, texture, movement and blood flow. The use of ultrasound versus x-rays are different because instead of using sound waves for image, x raying uses ionizing radiation to produce images of dense structures like bone, lungs and foreign bodies. Also, the x rays producing radiation require us to us PPE where using an ultrasound requires no PPE or produces radiation. Patient prepping in ultrasound typically require fasting (8-12hours) depending on the procedures. Then a contrast is administered to view our desired structures. Commonly, barium sulfate is used to evaluate issues with the lower/upper GI tract but should be noted to not use if perforation is suspected. Hair clipping down to the skin so no waves travel through air is next followed by gel to eliminate the air between probe and skin. Sedation may be needed depending on the procedure/state of the animal and positioning for these views could be dorsal, later, standing or sternal, again, depending on the procedure.

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List and describe all of the possible contrast studies that can be performed with diagnostic imaging. Include patient preparation for all possible studies.

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List and describe all of the possible contrast studies that can be performed with diagnostic imaging. Include patient preparation for all possible studies.

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ESOPHAGRAM- to evaluate esophageal motility, strictures, megaesophagus/foreign bodies

Contrast(s): barium sulfate/water soluble iodinated contrast is perforation suspected

Patient prep: Fast for 12 hour, no sedation, survey radiographs, administer contrast orally

LOWER GI STUDY (COLONOGRAPHY)- evaluate colon/rectum for strictures and masses

Contrast(s): Barium enema or iodinated contrast if perforation suspected

Patient prep: Enema night before and 1-2 hours before, fasting 24 hours, sedation, administer contrast rectally

UPPER GI- evaluate gastric emptying, motility, foreign bodies, ulcers, tumors

Contrast(s): Barium sulfate or iodinated contrast if perforation suspected

Patient Prep: Fasting 12-24 hours, enema 4-6 hours before study, no sedation unless necessary, take radiographs after oral contrast administered

EXCRETORY UROGRAPHY-evaluate kidneys, ureters, renal shape/function

Contrast(s): Water-soluble iodinated contrast (IV)

Patient Prep: Fasting 12 hours, enema before study, ensure hydration, pre-radiograph, IV catheter placement, monitor for contrast reactions

CYSTOPGRAPHY- Dx bladder rupture, uroliths, tumor/wall thickenings

Contrast(s): Pos contrast (iodinated), Neg contrast (air or CO2), double contrast (small amount of iodine and air)

Patient prep: Fasting, enema, sedation, catharize bladder, drain urine, instill contrast, take multiple views

URETHROGRAPHY (MALE OR FEMALE)- detect strictures, trauma, calculi, tumors in urethra

Contrast(s): Iodinated (retrograde inj.)

Patient prep: sedation, clean and catheterize urethra, instill contrast while taking radiograph, take lateral/oblique views

ARTHROGRAPHY-evaluate joints for ligament tears, joint capsule damage

Contrast(s): Iodinated, inj intraarticularly

Patient prep: sedation, aseptic join prep, inject contrast and x-ray immediately

FISTULOGRAPHY- identify tracts or foreign bodies in draining wound/fistulas

Contrast(s): water-soluble iodinated

Patient prep: clean are, no sedation, inject contrast into tract/ take radiographs

MYELOGRAPHY- Dx spinal cord compression, disc disease, trauma or tumors

Contrast(s): non-ionic iodinate contrast inj into subarachnoid space

Patient prep: general anesthesia, aseptic prep for lumbar puncture or cisternal tap, take pre-contrast spinal films, monitor for seizures post-op

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Describe/discuss all positions of an eqine limb should be radiographed

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Describe/discuss all positions of an eqine limb should be radiographed

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In radiographing equine limbs the positions acronyms are similar but if you do a forelimb or hindlimb, you should know what/where those limbs are and if they are palmar or plantar. Ex.) DMPLO of forelimb= dorsal medial palmar lateral oblique; DMPLO of hindlimb= dorsal medial plantar lateral oblique. These are just some of the views to take radiographs of a horses leg in. IF doing all views of an equine limb include:

FORELIMB(FOOT/HOOF/DISTAL PHALANX, NAVICULAR BONE)

-LM, DP, DpPd-O, PpPd-O

PASTERN

-LM, DP, DLPMO, DMPLO

FETLOCK

-LM, DP, DLPMO, DMPLO, flexed LM

METACARPUS (CANNON BONE)

-LM, DP, DLPMO, DMPLO

CARPUS

-LM, DP, DLPMO, DMPLO, flexed LM, skyline views of distal radius, proximal carpal row, distal carpal row

RAIDUS/ULNA

-LM, CrCd/DP, DLPMO, DMPLO

ELBOW

-LM, CrCd

SHOULDER

-LM, CrCd

HINDLIMB FOOT/HOOF

-LM, DP, upright pedal, navicular skyline view

PASTERN

-LM, DP, DLPlMO, DMPlLO

FETLOCK

-LM, DP, DLPlMO, DMPlLO, flexed LM

METATARUSUS

-LM, DP, DLPlMO, DMPlLO

TARSUS

-LM, DP, DLPlMO, DMPlLO, skyline views

TIBIA/FIBULA

-LM, CrCd, oblique views for fractures

STIFLE

-LM CrCd, CrL-CdMO

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Desribe the difference between taking a small animal radiograph vs a large animal radiograph

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Desribe the difference between taking a small animal radiograph vs a large animal radiograph

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The clear difference between small and large animal imaging is of course, their structure and height. However, there are other aspects to imaging small and large animals. One example would be radiographing a dogs leg compared to a horses leg. When taking an x-ray of a dogs forelimb to asceses the carpal bones, the doctor would probably want shots DP or ML. If the doctor wants more specialized views they may want flexed, extended or oblique views. In large animal radiographs, views for the carpal bones of the horses forelimb has more shots because if you took just one or two views you, may end up missing something that you could have seen from a different angle. If the doctor wants views of the carpal bone the shot would be DP, LM, DLPMO and DMPLO. Specialized shots would include a flexed lateromedial or skyline, if doctor desires. Aside from what shots look like from either side, another difference between the two is laying on a table compared to large animals standing in a barn as the person hold the cassette and x-ray generator to take the image.

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Week 4: Large animal diagnostic imaging, contrast studies and ultrasound

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Week 4: Large animal diagnostic imaging, contrast studies and ultrasound

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Brown, M., Ed, M. B. R. B. A., & Brown, L. (2021). Lavin’s radiography for veterinary technicians. Elsevier.

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Clinical Application: How will knowing about anatomy and physiology help with OFA and patient positioning for all dx radiographs?

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Clinical Application: How will knowing about anatomy and physiology help with OFA and patient positioning for all dx radiographs?

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Knowing about landmarks will help with OFA x-rays and all other diagnostic radiographs and is a crucial part of the anatomy and physiology of our patients. By understanding landmarks and how patients are structured we can palpate these bones and position them in the best way possible for our desired views that we want to make a diagnosis. Positioning is a large factor in helping obtain OFA x-rays and other views because if the patient is not positioned correctly, the image could be superimposed by another structure overlapping another. This could also lead to a false diagnosis. Knowing about anatomical planes and regions also go hand in hand with positioning and helps us determine which views to take. By understanding the use of positioning, the anatomy and physiology of the patient, and landmarks it helps improve image quality, patient comfortability, safety of the staff and reduces retakes.

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List the proper positioning for the following:

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List the proper positioning for the following:

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1.) Lat, VD, DV thorax and Abdomen

Lateral Thorax: Sternum and thoracic spine must be in same plane. Extending forelimbs cranially and hindlimbs caudally. This positioning can be done in all of these views with the limbs but keeping in mind the VD/DV in different positioning. Either in sternal or dorsal recumbency.

2.)AP,PA, Lat Extremity

AP: Limb extended straight forward, animal in dorsal recumbency, x-ray beam enters anterior portion (Cr) and exits posterior portion (Cd)

PA: Limb extended forward/outward, patient in sternal, beam passes from posterior (Cd) and exits at anterior (Cr)

Lat: Animal laying on its side, desired limb placed down on the table and extended, opposite limb pulled away to not superimpose.

3.) VD and Lat Pelvis

VD: Patient in dorsal, forelimbs extended cranially/hindlimbs caudally and even with patella centered with femoral condyles, stifles rotated a little inward so femurs parallel to each other and spine. Foramens and iliac wings should appear equal

Lat: Patient in lateral, targeted side sits on table with down limb pulled cranially and top limbs pulled caudally but slightly up

4.) VD and Lat Spine

VD: Patient in dorsal, forelimbs extended cranially/ hindlimbs caudally. Align spine straight with table, and use foam wedges if necessary if rotation occurs.

Lat: Patient in lateral, forelimbs pulled cranially, hindlimbs caudally/stack limbs for no rotation, keep spine parallel to table.

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Compare and Contrast CR and DR Radiography

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Compare and Contrast CR and DR Radiography

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CR:

-Similar to conventional

-Uses intesfying screen

-Imaging plate (IP) inside cassette on TT or bucky tray

-Electrons excited by x-radiation

-Stores latent image but will fade within 6-8hours

-Placed into processor; scanned by helium-neon laser beam

Similarities:

-Short image display

-More flexible than traditional

-Less time consuming

-Cloud/server storage

DR:

-Hard wired into computer

-May be portable

-TFT replaces film screen

-radiation interacts w/amorphous selenium on plate

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Define/demonstrate examples of the following:

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Define/demonstrate examples of the following:

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1.) Heel Effect: Variation in x-ray beam intensity cause by anode angle in x-ray tube. The x-ray beam is stronger at cathode side than anode side. Ex.) Align thicker anatomy of desired area toward cathode for better image.

2.)Geometric Distortion: Inaccuracies in size, shape, or position of anatomical structure. Ex.) On pelvic radiograph, If left hip is closer to IP, and right hip is elevated, right hip will look more magnified

3.)Elongation Distortion: Distortion of image due to lack of parallelism. The image is longer in size than its true size. Ex.) Use flashlight and pen. Angle pen at 45 degree angle while illumination flashlight from ~6" above pen. Elongation occurs.

4.)Foreshortening Distortion: Refers to images that appear on image shorter than they actually are (Ex.) Use flashlight and pen. Position flashlight above pen ~24". Angle pen to almost 90 degrees and it looks shorter.

5.)Santes Rule: Formula used to estimate kVp power for x-rays. Ex.) 4cm X 2= 8 +40"= 48kVp

6.) Inverse Sq Law: Relationship between intensity of x-ray beam and its source. Ex.) Using TT or GT, adjust tube stand and increase/decrease mAs for correct exposure.

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Discuss Contrast and Quality of an image in detail. Determine factors that affect both

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Discuss Contrast and Quality of an image in detail. Determine factors that affect both

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Contrast and the quality of an image contrast can be to light or to dark in some radiographs which also affects the quality of how we see our radiograph.

Ex.) Puppy ingested a sock and its to light to make out exactly what is there so we will do a contrast study with barium to give us a better quality image and dx. mAs can affect the contrast and patient restraint/positioning and the sock could affect the quality of the image.

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Week 3: Quality Assurance and Digital Imaging

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Week 3: Quality Assurance and Digital Imaging

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Vmd, J. M. B. (2021). McCurnin’s clinical textbook for veterinary technicians and nurses. (pg. 1114-1159)

Brown, M., Ed, M. B. R. B. A., & Brown, L. (2021). Lavin’s radiography for veterinary technicians. Elsevier. (pg. 407-469)

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Clinical Application: How will knowing about anatomy and physiology  help in a clinical setting using digital x-ray and quality assurance?

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Clinical Application: How will knowing about anatomy and physiology  help in a clinical setting using digital x-ray and quality assurance?

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Digital x-rays are the fanciest and fastest amon the x-ray machine. It takes the x-ray into view on the computer in seconds, reduces the need for multiple retakes, a cassette is replace by image receptors and it has an increased contrast resolution. However, proper positioning is still crucial to take an x-ray. When doing dentals our patients are anesthetized so we can almost position them without any difficulty but when our patient are awake they done exactly cooperate like humans do. When they do cooperate (or if they have some sedation) we can get the view that we want. Whether its dental or x-rays of the abdomen, knowing the anatomy is vital to sport issues/pathology that could be wrong. In dental imaging, we can visually see the crown of our patients teeth and if we only looked at that, we would sometimes assume that their oral health is in great condition. By having access to dental radiography we can spot fractures, abscess, cracks or even bone loss which is also why its critical for us to understand basic oral anatomy. In another aspect, maybe we saw something that the doctor didn't see. If we can spot these issues we can better advocate for the health of our patients.

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Describe the techniques that can be done to ensure quality dental images

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Describe the techniques that can be done to ensure quality dental images

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Techniques that can be done to get a quality dental image include using the parallel and bisecting angle techniques. The bisecting angle technique is used to image the maxillary teeth, and mandibular incisors and canines. If an x-ray beam is not aimed at the bisecting angle, it will have an elongation or foreshortening view which is not accurate. By using the parallel technique it involves the film being directly behind and parallel to the tooth and then directing the beam perpendicular to the film. You still need to make sure you get an accurate angle while doing this technique because an inaccurate view can still be displayed. Make sure to always get the root in view. The crown is what we can see on the outside but we cant see the roots/ what's underlying the gums.

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Discuss Various Views That are Taken in a Complete Oral Dental Imaging Series

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Discuss Various Views That are Taken in a Complete Oral Dental Imaging Series

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Multiple views are used in a complete oral dental imaging series. Heres a breakdown:

-Maxillary Premolars and Molars

View: cone is directed laterally over tooth in question

Technique: Bisecting angle

Purpose: Shows roots, sinuses and zygomatic arch area

-Maxillary Canine Teeth

View: Lateral Oblique

Technique: Bisecting Angle

Purpose: Asscess root structures, bone loss and adjacent premolars

-Maxillary Incisors

View: Rostral View

Technique: Bisecting Angle

Purpose: Looks a the incisors, canines, and nasal cavity

-Mandibular Incisors

View: Rostral

Technique: Bisecting Angle

-Mandibular Canine Teeth

View: Individual bisecting angle

Technique: bisecting angle

-Mandibular Premolars and Molars

View: lateral

Technique: Parallel

Purpose: Looking in depth at lower cheek teeth

Its important to note that with cats, getting a view of their premolars and molars requires adjusting the use of the bisecting/ parallel technique due to their prominent zygomatic arch

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Describe the Preparation Necessary to Take Dental Images of a Dog or Cat

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Describe the Preparation Necessary to Take Dental Images of a Dog or Cat

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Prior to any dental, the vet must establish and assess a patients health before going through with the procedure. Dentals require anesthesia due to the scaling, polishing, extractions and x-rays we must take. Once the okay is given from the doctor, we can proceed and just like with any anesthesia the patient will need to be fasted. Then, an IV catheter, fluids, pre-med, induction, and intubation will be next. Once the patient is down, monitoring vital signs are a must but you will need to make sure the dental x-ray machine is set up to the appropriate settings (kVp, mAs, exposure time). As you x-ray a tooth, be sure to use either the bisecting angle or the parallel technique to get a proper view of the patients roots. Resources can be used to assist with hard to capture places such as a plastic box to lay under the patients mandi le, pool noodles or gauze.

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Brown, M., Ed, M. B. R. B. A., & Brown, L. (2021). Lavin’s radiography for veterinary technicians. Elsevier.

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Clinical Application: How will Knowing about radiation concepts, equipment, and safety help in a clinical setting?

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Clinical Application: How will Knowing about radiation concepts, equipment, and safety help in a clinical setting?

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Knowing about radiation concepts, equipment, and safety in a clinical setting will not only help me treat a patient better but it will keep myself, others, and our patients safe. To some, radiation may not seem so drastic because it has no immediate effects but I5 like to consider every detail seriously. At times, you may get a patient that are hard to deal with and its frustrating to capture an image because they wont cooperate but it doesn't mean you should go without the appropriate PPE. In those times, I have to remind myself and others that we may need to take a step back and re-evaluate the situation. I would like kids one day, and like working with animals so id really like to not fry my ovaries and keep my hands.

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Name and Explain Various Safety Criteria and Describe in Detail How You Can Decrease Employee and Patient Exposure

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Name and Explain Various Safety Criteria and Describe in Detail How You Can Decrease Employee and Patient Exposure

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Whenever working on x-rays, protection from radiation is important for any individual. When working with a substance so reactive, appropriate measures must be taken into account for healthcare workers and non-healthcare workers. Safety topics to consider and have while taking x-rays include PPE for the ones taking the x-ray, exposure/warning signs, correct restraint of the patient, staying out of the primary beam, coning down the radiograph to reduce scatter radiation, limit exposure time, and make sure the x-ray machine has a designated room. Limiting exposure to the workers taking a radiograph can be minimized with PPE like gloves, protective goggles if available, dosimetry badge, apron, thyroid collar, and a leaded shield to help decrease the distance from the radiation. While an individual is wearing the correct PPE, it doesn't 100% protect anyone from radiation. Things like not properly soring the PPE (folding aprons, collars, and gloves) can cause defects in the PPE that you use. The PPE is made of lead which can diminish if folded all the time and is a good reason to have your PPE checked monthly, quarterly and biannually to track any leaks that could happen if improperly stored. Tracking the amount of radiation an individual has accumulated is important to be checked to, as scatter radiation can deflect off an object and disperse anywhere so we need to limit our exposure as much as possible. Coning down an x-ray can help limit the amount of scatter radiation and is especially important if you just want to view a certain area of a patient. Another safety measure to consider is to never put any of your body parts in line with the primary beam of any radiograph. Again, the PPE in not 100% and the primary beam holds a lot of power. Considering proper patient restraint is also a factor of safety for both the patient and restrainer to because it can help decrease stress in the patient, and help the restrainer stay out of the primary beam/ keep some distance. Aside from healthcare workers, any individual that can potentially be exposed to radiation such as individuals not taking the x-ray or sometimes clients, appropriate signage needs to be in place to attract awareness to any potential exposure in the area. Having a proper shielded room or enclosure for the x-ray machine also needs to be established for everyones' safety.

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With radiation exposure, the safety of radiation doesn't just apply to those taking the x-ray but those in the premises as well, and the specified dose limits also apply to both. Radiation can go wherever and to whoever who is not careful enough. Reproductive cells of both male and females should always be protected due to the radiation being able to affect rapidly growing cells. Even when wearing PPE we still expose ourselves to some level of radiation. So, how do we know when we've had to much? We can track the amount of radiation a person has while taking x-rays with a dosimetry badge. This badge specifically measures radiation from x-rays, beta, and gamma radiation until it is read by a dosimetry service. The badges can be read monthly, quarterly, or biannually.

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Discuss Film Identification and Markers in Detail

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Discuss Film Identification and Markers in Detail

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When taking an x-ray, you may know the identification of the patient and x-ray but others who view it must also be able to identify the x-ray, but also for legal purposes. The image should have the owner, patient ID, date of exam, name and location of clinic, vet, and state. Additional information pertaining to the patient should include, age, sex, breed, and species. Position labels should be used to interpret the correct position the patient is in while viewing the radiograph. The labels are placed laterally for DP, CrCd or CdCr and oblique limb radiographs. For lateral x-rays, place the label cranially. If you do DV or VD views, make sure the L or R label is on the correct side of the patient. This means if you are taking views while the patient is in right lateral recumbency, the label with the letter "R" for right should be laid down on the table in view to signify the patient is laying on their right side and visa versa. Make sure to also lay the labels cranially and ventrally.

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Define What a Grid is and What its Function is. 

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Define What a Grid is and What its Function is. 

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In radiology, a grid is used to absorb scatter radiation and secondary radiation. Its installed beneath the tabletop and above the cassette, placed in a grid tray to support it. Its important to make sure the grid is flat within the tray and parallel to the port of the x-ray tube because if its off, it will let radiation on one side pass through, but cut off radiation on the raised side. Any body part that measures above 10cm will be imaged with the cassette beneath the tabletop in the grid tray or using a grid taped to a cassette.

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Discuss in Detail kVp and mAs and How They Affect the Quality of an Image. Descrive Alterung the kVp and mAs to create a Better Quality Image

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Discuss in Detail kVp and mAs and How They Affect the Quality of an Image. Descrive Alterung the kVp and mAs to create a Better Quality Image

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kVp and mAs can also be termed as kilovoltage and milliamperage. kVp is involved in the control of the quality of radiation while the mAs is involved in the quantity. kVp also refers to the penetrating power of making an x-ray, and when its increased, the beam in the x-ray, hardens. You can think of this almost as HD as it has fewer lower energy x-rays and instead produces high-energy x-rays to view (In high definition). However, it also affects the density of the x-ray so, if you put the kVp to high it will blacken the image. As for the mAs, this directly affects the density of an image if you increase it because more photons are being produced which slows the number of x-rays. In this case, if you increased the mAs from 10-30, its producing double the x-ray photons and density of the radiograph, but just like lowering the kVp makes it to black, increasing the mAs will make the image black and to low will make it more clear.

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Describe the Process of Creating a Radiograph. Use Terms Discussed in Lecture in your description. 

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Describe the Process of Creating a Radiograph. Use Terms Discussed in Lecture in your description. 

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The process of creating an x-ray starts with what the doctor would like to view on an animal given a circumstance. Before even placing the animal on the table top, you must prepare the machine with the patients identification such as identity, species, breed, ID number and the anatomical structure you are trying to view. When identification is completed, you can then measure the correct cm on your patient with the calibrator. The purpose of this is to get the correct amount of radiation available to producing the perfect image that's not to light or to dark. For example, if the doctor orders views of a dogs chest, you measure (in cm) the deepest part of that dogs chest with the calibrator to determine what the appropriate exposure is to view the thoracic area. To get the correct exposure on the x-ray machine, take the measurements and adjust the kVp and mAs knobs to what aligns on the technique chart. This chart has the correct ranges and setting for whatever views taken (pelvis, thorax, abdomen, extremities, etc.) based on your measurements. The kVp controls the energy of the x-ray or penetrating power, and the mAs controls the exposure time and quality/contrast. When correct measurements are adjusted via the knobs, the x-ray machine is ready to capture a view. However, prior to placing the dog on the table you MUST equip yourself with the proper PPE. This includes apron, dosimetry badge, thyroid collar, and gloves. Another thing to consider, depending on the type of machine you have, is placing a cassette into the Bucky tray and adjusting the settings of what you have your measurements set at on the tube stand of the machine, into the computer. Anything measured below 10cm you capture films on tabletop (TT) or grid tray (GT) if greater than 10cm. Using the dog needing thoracic views, place the dog on the table in right lateral recumbency. Make sure the collimator is attached to the tube stand and "cone down" the light from the collimator to only get the chest in view and decrease scatter radiation. When you get the dog into position, tap the exposure button once to let the cathode warm up. Wait a few seconds, firmly press the button again until a beep sounds, and the tube stand will say "good job". In view, should be the lungs, ribs, thoracic vertebrae, trachea, and heart. From this point, the doctor can take a look at the radiograph to determine if any additional views are required and see what is causing this patient distress.

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Week 1: Radiograph Concepts, Equipment and Safety

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Week 1: Radiograph Concepts, Equipment and Safety