Chest Routine Positioning Notes (PA + Lateral)

patient prep- PA and Lateral

remove everything from the waist up (including bra and jewelry)

technique for erect PA

• 120 kVp

• outer cells

• erect IR

if not using the AEC for erect PA then the mAs needs to be?

1.4

SID for PA and Lateral

72

collimation for erect PA

• 14 × 17 lengthwise(portrait) or crosswise(landscape)

  • for women use portrait

  • for men you will most likely need to use landscape

erect PA pt position

• standign straight

• facing the IR

• weight equally distributed on feet

• raise chin

• hands on hips palms facing out (towards tube)

• elbows flexed

• shoulders rotated forward

• midsagittal line is center of IR

where should the central ray be for an erect PA

• should enter at T-7

  • top of IR about 1.5'“ above the relaxed shoulders if portrait

  • about 1” above for landscape

marker placement for erect PA

L marker- in upper left corner of IR

if not using a bubble marker

annotate erect with the digital markers

RH does not require shielding but if sheilding is requested…

• provide shielding for the patient as long as it does not interfere with the anatomy of interest

breathing instructions for erect PA and lateral

double inspiration

• DEEP

purpose/ structures shown in an erect PA

• air-filled trachea

• the lungs

• the diaphragmatic domes

• the heart

• aortic arch

technique for a L lateral

• 120 kVp

• center cell

• erect IR

if not using AEC in a L lateral the mAs needs to be?

3.6

collimation for L lateral

14 × 17 (lengthwise) portrait

patient position for L lateral

• standing erect

• left side against IR

• weight evenly distributed on both feet

• make sure feet are straight (toes forward)

• looking straight ahead, chin raised

• raise both arms- rest on arm bar

• midsagittal plane centered and parallel to IR

• midcoronal plane is perpendicular to the IR

L lateral central ray

should enter at T-7

• top of the IR about 1.5” - 2” above the shoulders

L lateral marker placement

always on the L side of the body

structures/purpose shown on a L lateral

• the heart

• aorta

• pulmonary lesions

• interlobular fissures