Radiograph (image/film)

record of X-Rays (the final image)

Latent Image

the invisible image formed in the receptor after x-rays have been captured

Image Plate (IP)

stores the latent image until laser beam in a reader release stored energy

Digital Detector

direct & indirect flat plate detector (IR) receives x-ray energy and transforms it into an electrical signal

Image Receptor (IR)

a device which transforms incident x-ray photons into a visible image

X-Ray Tube

the device that produces x-rays

Control Panel

equipment used to select exposure factors for x-rays

Part

the anatomy of interest placed between the tube and the receptor

Positioning

placing the patient and the anatomical part in position for demonstration of the anatomy of interest (how a person must be positioned in order to take the x-ray)

Central Ray

the imaginary middle ray of the beam as it comes from the tube

Filters

anything placed between the source of x-rays and the film; usually aluminum placed above the collimator for patient protection

Collimator

a device to restrict beam size to the area of interest

X-Ray Beam, X-Rays

the x-rays that come from the tube after the high speed electrons have struck the anode of the tube

Grid

a device placed between a thick body part and the receptor to absorb scatter & improve image quality

Bucky

movable grid under the tabletop that may or may not be present in the wall receptor

Gonadal Shield

lead placed to protect a patient's gonads

Source to Image Distance (SID)

the distance of the x-ray tube from the receptor (72 inches for chest, 40 inches for everything else)

Calipers

device by which body (part) thickness can be determined

Technique Chart

posted guidelines for selection of exposure factors

Operator Protected Area

the area in which control panel is located and in which the operator should remain during exposure

Personnel Monitor

a device worn at the collar to measure occupational exposure to radiation

Lead Apron

an apron which is worn by anyone who must remain in the x-ray room during the exposure

Visible Image

permanent radiographic image after processing transforms the latent image

Reader (CR)

location where the image is scanned into a digital format

Workstation Monitor

location where an image is evaluated, and possibly manipulated, but not advisable

PACS

Picture, archiving and communication system

Libel

the WRITTEN information that maliciously leads to defamation of character

Slander

the VERBAL spread of malicious information resulting in defamation

Greenstick Fracture

An incomplete fracture of a bone, common in children due to bones that are not calcified

Spiral Fracture

Twisting injury common in the lower leg, often seen among skiers. Also found in the humerus from an up and twist motion

Transverse Fracture

a clean fracture of a bone straight across the transverse plain

Colles' Fracture

Common fracture of the distal radius (wrist), with posterior and medial displacement

Radial Head Fracture

Commonly caused from falling with arms outstretched. This fracture may cause effusion (fluid collection) in the joint space and will therefore displace the fat pad

Boxer's Fracture

Common fracture seen in the 5th metacarpal (pinky finger). usually caused when a person strikes a solid object with a closed fist

Compression Fracture

Commonly seen in the spine. Shortened height of the spinous bodies caused over time due to gravity

Asepsis

the absence of germs or microorganisms

Medical Asepsis

a technique or procedure which REDUCES the number of microorganisms and therefore prevents the spread of diseases

Surgical Asepsis

the attempt at TOTAL DISTRUCTION of the microorganisms in an attempt to protect against infection before, during and after a surgical procedure

Nosocomial Infection

a category of disease acquired in a hospital

Cathode

a negatively charged electrode

Primary Radiation

the beam that leaves the tube

Scatter Radiation

radiation that is randomly scattered within or outside the body (part of weakening the beam)

Remnant (exit) Radiation

what remains of the primary beam after it has been attenuated (weakened) by matter

kVp (kilovolts)

controls the speed of the electrons (controls Quality)

mA (milliamps)

controls the number of electrons at the source

mAS

mA x S = mAS (controls Quantity) (s = speed/time) ex. 300 mA x 1 second = 300 mAS ex. 100 mA x 3 seconds = 300 mAS

High contrast

Short scale- great differences between gray shades but small number of shades. high contrast=big difference. May "hide" some information in the image

Low contrast

Long scale- slight differences between gray shades, but great number of shades. Low contrast= low difference

Detail (spatial resolution)

The ability to see small structures or to see structural edges sharply

Distortion

Misrepresentation of the true size or shape of an object

Shape

Angulation of tube, part or receptor

OID

Object to image distance