MOD 12 - Mobile Equipment

mobile unit generators’ kW

20kW or 40kW

Capacitor-Discharge Units (how to use)

rely on a battery to supply the high-voltage capacitor, thus techs must engage the charge button to generate sufficient charge within the capacitor, once achieved, an indicator light will signal that it’s ready for exposure

Disadvantages of Capacitor-Discharge Units

• potential issues for appropriate and reliable technical factor selection due to the variable output of capacitor discharge units

• if an exposure was proceeded with an incomplete capacitor discharge it could result in leakage radiation, which can be managed by automatic collimator closure devices

High-Frequency Battery Powered Units Advantages

• most popular as they provide more consistent radiation output

• do not have radiation leakage potential

High-Frequency Battery Powered Units Disadvantages

• large batteries make the unit heavy

• A dead battery-powered unit requires as much as 10 hours to fully recharge, thus units need to be plugged when not in use to recharge the battery

Technologist Mobile Radiation Safety

• tech must wear protective apparel

• x-ray beam must never be directed towards the tech

Benefits of Mobile Radiography

provide excellent patient care to these individuals to avoid potential negative outcomes of department transfer

Cons of Mobile Radiography

• workflow and staff support issues as mobile exams take longer than department exams

• low IQ

  • less grid use due to grid error potentials, therefore high scatter

  • pts positioned AP, resulting in heart magnification

• risk to surrounding personnel and patients