Radiology Basic Equipment

Summary

This video provides an in-depth introduction to an X-ray exam room at Coleman Towers, showcasing essential components of the radiographic system. The guide covers the X-ray tube, image receptors, and their use in capturing high-quality images, highlighting key equipment like the table bucky, wall bucky, and floating tables. Viewers are shown how to align the X-ray tube with the image receptor and adjust settings such as kilovoltage and milliamperage on the control panel. The video also explains automatic exposure control (AEC) and the two-stage exposure switch, offering valuable insights for radiologic technologists.

Takeaways

• 😀 Caution when approaching radiation areas, marked with the trefoil symbol, indicating potential radiation presence.
• 😀 The x-ray tube is where x-radiation is produced, with no radioactive material inside, using electrons hitting the anode.
• 😀 The image receptor captures the x-ray images, replacing traditional radiographic film, and transmits them wirelessly to monitors.
• 😀 The x-ray tube is highly movable, enabling adjustments for different body parts and patient positions.
• 😀 For larger body parts, such as the abdomen or lumbar spine, the image receptor is placed in a table bucky for better alignment.
• 😀 Correct alignment of the x-ray tube and image receptor ensures accurate imaging and minimizes unnecessary radiation exposure.
• 😀 The source to image distance (SID) is important, with 72 inches being the standard for chest x-rays.
• 😀 The floating examination table allows for flexible positioning, while pedal controls adjust the table's height and position.
• 😀 Table locks are crucial: emergency stop, tracking for tube movement, and locking the table top for controlled motion.
• 😀 The x-ray control panel is used to adjust kilovoltage, milliamperage, and exposure time for the correct radiation output.
• 😀 Automatic exposure control (AEC) adjusts milliamperage and time, similar to an automatic car transmission, for optimal image density.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the trefoil symbol on the door of the radiation area?

The trefoil symbol on the door of the radiation area is a caution sign indicating that the area contains radiation, which can be hazardous. It serves as a reminder to approach the area with caution.

How is x-radiation produced in the x-ray tube?

X-radiation is produced in the x-ray tube when electrons collide with the anode. This interaction generates radiation. There is no radioactive material inside the tube; the radiation is created through this electron-anode interaction.

What is the role of the image receptor in an x-ray system?

The image receptor captures the x-ray image and sends it wirelessly to a monitor. It has replaced traditional radiographic film and comes in various sizes, with 14x17 inches being the most common.

What is the significance of aligning the x-ray tube with the image receptor?

Proper alignment of the x-ray tube with the image receptor ensures that only the desired area is exposed to radiation. This minimizes unnecessary radiation exposure to other parts of the room or the patient.

What is the difference between a table bucky and a wall bucky?

A table bucky is an image receptor placed within the table for imaging larger body parts, while a wall bucky is mounted on the wall and typically used for imaging when the patient can stand.

What is meant by 'source to image distance' (SID) and why is it important?

Source to image distance (SID) refers to the distance between the x-ray tube (source) and the image receptor. The standard SID for chest x-rays is 72 inches, which helps ensure proper image quality and minimal distortion.

How does the floating table in the x-ray room work?

The floating table allows the tabletop to move freely in all directions, making it easier to position the image receptor and align it with the x-ray tube for different imaging needs.

What does the tracking function on the x-ray table do?

The tracking function ensures that the table and x-ray tube move together, maintaining the correct source to image distance (SID) and alignment for accurate imaging.

What is the function of the AEC (Automatic Exposure Control) in an x-ray system?

AEC automatically adjusts the milliamperage (mA) and exposure time based on the body part being imaged, ensuring proper image density and contrast without manual adjustments.

Why is the two-stage switch important in the x-ray exposure process?

The two-stage switch helps prepare the x-ray tube by spinning the anode and heating the filament in the first stage. The second stage completes the exposure. This process allows for quicker exposures, especially in situations with patient motion, such as with young children.