Radiography steps - Clinical Skills

Step 1

• Check the controlled area - ensure you are aware of who is present (no under 18s/pregnant women)

• inform anyone else they must leave the controlled area when you are ready to press the exposure button.

Step 2

Put on PPE as appropriate - dosimeter under lead gown, lead thyroid guard also worn.

Step 3

Select an appropriately sized plate for the radiograph and place it on the table in the correct place.

Step 4

(with an assistant to help) place the patient in the correct recumbency for the image with the area of interest positioned over the plate.

Step 5

Correct any rotation and position the patient correctly (if placing patient in a trough, use an assistant).

Step 6

• Turn the x-ray generator on.

• Check the exposure is correct and switch the light source on.

Step 7

Move the x-ray table so that the centre point of the x-ray beam is positioned correctly, using the cross in the light source and manual palpation of the patient as a guide.

Step 8

Place the left/right marker on the plate in the correct position and not obscuring the area of interest.

Step 9

Collimate as far as possible using the dials so that the left/right marker and entire area of interest are included within the primary beam.

Step 10

• Ensure there are no other radiopaque objects within the primary beam (eg collar/sandbag)

• double check the positioning, centre point and collimation.

Step 11

• Ask everyone except yourself to leave the room.

• Take hold of the exposure button and step at least 2m away from the patient and generator

Step 12

Shout X-RAY as a warning prior to pressing the exposure button.