Radiology Equipment and Technology

Anatomic side marker (AKA “markers”)

Anatomic side marker (AKA “markers”)

Lead markers that are used to determine left from right on an image. EVERY image must have there markers visible. There are additional markers that can be used during different exams.

Upright image receptor (AKA “chest board” / “bucky”)

An upright device holds the IR in position for upright radiology for imaging chests and other examinations where the patient is required to stand or sit erect.

Collimator

A manual system of diaphragms or shutters used to adjust the size and shape of the primary x-ray beam. This helps to reduce patient dose and obtain images that are more detailed. The housing is directly under the x-ray tube.

Collimator light field

Visual representation of the size and shape of the x-ray beam.

Control Panel

Term that refers to the part of the imaging equipment where the exposure factors (technique) are set and the actual exposure is made for each examination. This will be found in the protective control booth. For radiation safety purposes, you cannot make an exposure in the x-ray room outside of this device.

Central Ray (AKA “CR”)

This location is an established point on the patient’s body where the center of the x-ray beam enters the anatomic part AND is used to mean computed radiography when talking about types of digital equipment that use imaging cassettes.

Detent (AKA transverse lock (center) position)

Location tern used to describe the x-ray tube position when it is centered on the exact middle (midline) of the chest or table bucky. You would use this term when you want to center your x-ray tube in a specific location in relation to the x-ray table or upright chest board.

Digital Detector

This is a plate that used DR systems where latent (invisible image) is immediately transferred to the computer at a technologist work station for viewing. No image plate reader is needed.

Digital Radiography (AKA “DR”)

Used when referring to digital imaging equipment that does not use cassettes but rather digital sensors.

Floating Table

an imaging table that moves in multiple directions. X-ray tables are often made of carbon fiber and are made to be as radiolucent as possible.

(Radiolucent = x-ray will pass through an object (the table) easily and the object will not be visible in the x-ray image)

Image plate (AKA “IP) / Image recptor (AKA “IR”)

The image plate is a term used in computed radiography (CR). The image records the invisible image after an x-ray exposure. The digital image plates are composed of photostimulable phosphors and are reusable.

Image plate reader

Scans the image after exposure and converts the light output (that is created by the IP phosphors) to digital format for viewing on the technologist working (in other words this is what makes your X-ray image on the computer)

Image receptor (AKA “IR”)

This is where the latent (invisible) image is found after exposure. It is what we use to take x-ray image on.

Kilovolt peak (AKA “kVp”)

Is the selection that controls the amount of voltage we supply to the x-ray tube. Controls the contrast of the image. Penetration power of the x-ray beam. All body parts have a specific kVp range.

Lead shield

radiation shield containing lead that is used to protect the patient or the technologist from excessive radiation. The Term gonadal shield means simply a small lead-containing shield used to cover and protect the area of the reproductive organs during an x-ray examination.

Milliamperage seconds (AKA “mAs”)

This is the amount of current we supply to the x-ray tube combined with the length of time of the exposure. Indicates the amount or quantity of radiation in an exposure.

Object to Image receptor distance (AKA “OID”)

This is the distance between the part being radiographed and the image receptor. Usually kept at a minimum.

Picture Archiving communication system (AKA “PACS”)

A virtual library where patient images are stored and can be reviewed / displayed as needed.

Positive Beam limitations (AKA “PBL”)

Automatic collimation to the size of the IR placed in the bucky tray OR automatic collimates to size programed in a digital unit.

Positioning sponges

Radiolucent sponges used to help the pateint hold a position needed for imaging.

Source to image receptor distance (AKA “SID”)

This is the distance between the x-ray tube and the image receptor. The standards are 40”, 42”, 48” and 72” (101, 106, 121, and 182 cm)

Technologist workstation

Computer station with special imaging software for use by the technologist to assess their image before finishing the exam.

View box

a lightened viewing station where film based radiographs or printed digital images can be viewed.

X-ray tube

This is the source of radiation. Evacuated glass tube containing the electrodes (+ anode, - cathode) connected to an electrical supply. Simply put, the cathode end is the source of electrons; the anode end attracts and suddenly stops the electrons creating heat and x-ray photos. The x-ray tube is contained in a protective housing to protect and insulate the x-ray tube and minimize leakage radiation.