RADT 5104: MEDRAD TERMS

Anatomical Position

patients standing erect, facing forward with the palms of the hands
facing forward.

Central Ray

center of the beam of radiation emitted from the x-ray
tube.

Chart

The complete record kept for each patient
containing details such as history, results of diagnostic tests, etc

Collimation (Coning)

refers to limiting the field of radiation
produced.

Computed Radiography

CR uses digital technology with a photostimulable phosphor plate
within a cassette in order to produce digital images

Consent Form

Legal document completed and signed by patient and technologist/radiologist. This confirms procedure has been explained and patient is agreeable to continue.

Contrast Media

substances used for body organs, cavities, or vessels to make it possible to see on the resultant x-ray (radiograph).

Control Panel

The areas of the x-ray machine where kilovoltage, milliamps, exposure
time, etc. is selected and monitored and these components regulate radiation.

Digital Radiography

uses digital technology and electronic detectors to produce
digital images.

Emergency Cart

A container with contents organized for use during
patient emergencies

Exposure Factors

Safe exposure to the patient requires specific selection of a variety of parameters to obtain a diagnostic image. These factors are: kVp — kilovolt peak mAs — milliampere seconds D — distance

Filter

A device used to absorb radiation to provide a more uniform image when the patient’s body part is of uneven thickness.

Fluoroscopy (radioscopy)

A method of radiographic examination in which a continuous and immediate image is produced and displayed on a television monitor.

Gonad Shield (lead shield)

A device or apron composed of lead impregnated rubber, which will stop radiation. Used primarily for protection of the ovaries or testicles during radiography

OID

Object-to-Image Distance is how far the body is to the image receptor

OSL or TLD

Optical Stimulated Luminescence or thermoluminescent dosimeter, is a device worn by radiation workers for measurement of radiation dose

PACS

Picture Archiving and Communication System permits the acquisition, interpretation, and storage of images.

Patient Position

Refers to the position of the patient when radiographed:

supine — patient lying on their back

prone —directly on their abdomen

lateral — directly on their side

oblique — at any angle in between prone/supine and lateral

Patient Requisition

Legal document completed by a physician requesting a radiation therapy treatment

Radiolucent

Objects or tissue that allows radiation to pass through to the IP rather than being absorbed. Usually appear black on an image and has a low atomic number.

Radiopaque

Objects or tissue that allows radiation to pass through to the IP rather than being absorbed. Usually appear black on an image and has a low atomic number.

Radiopaque

Radiation is absorbed by the object and are visualized as white on an image.

SID

we use SID (source to skin distance) which is the distance from the radiation source to the patients skin surface.

Standard Precautions

techniques to reduce/prevent the spread of disease.

Suction Unit

A vacuum bottle with tubing attached for the purpose of withdrawing fluid from a body cavity.

X ray Tube

A glass envelope containing an anode and a cathode. When the cathode is heated it emits electrons which on striking the anode result in the production of radiation.

Barium Enema

An examination of the large bowel (colon) using barium sulphate, a liquid contrast medium.

• The bowel must be empty before the exam.

• The patient fasts for 8 hours beforehand.

• The radiologist uses fluoroscopy to watch the barium move through the bowel.

• X-rays (radiographs) are taken of areas of interest.

Computed Tomography (CT)

CT Scan (Computed Tomography):
Uses a fan-shaped X-ray beam and detectors to create detailed images of the body.

• The X-ray measurements are sent to a computer.

• The computer reconstructs the measurements into a cross-sectional image.

• Produces images of thin sections (“slices”) of the body.

• Structures above and below the slice are not superimposed, making the image clearer.

Cystography

Cystogram:
An examination of the urinary bladder using a contrast medium.

• A small tube is passed through the urethra into the bladder.

• The bladder is filled with contrast medium.

• X-rays (radiographs) are taken of the bladder and urethra.

• The patient must empty (void) their bladder immediately before the procedure.

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

ERCP:
A procedure used to examine the bile ducts and pancreatic ducts.

• Patient is sedated.

• An endoscope is passed through the mouth → duodenum.

• Contrast is injected into the bile and pancreatic ducts.

• X-rays are taken in different positions.

• Usually done after an ultrasound shows a problem with the biliary system.

Mammography

A radiographic examination of the breast. Patient/equipment is placed in two or three different positions.

where is a filter placed

It is commonly placed between the patient and the x-ray tube or between the patient and image receptor.

how is collimation preformed and what is the purpose?

This is performed with an adjustable shutter system
mounted over the tube “window” for the purpose of limiting and
shaping the field of radiation; can be automatically programmed to the
imaging plate (cassette) size.

where is the filter placed?

placed between the patient and the x-ray tube or between
the patient and image receptor.