X-Ray Terms

Created by emmakarker

Radiograph (image/film)
record of X-Rays (the final image)

1/52

TermDefinition
Radiograph (image/film)record of X-Rays (the final image)
Latent Imagethe 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 Detectordirect & 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 Tubethe device that produces x-rays
Control Panelequipment used to select exposure factors for x-rays
Partthe anatomy of interest placed between the tube and the receptor
Positioningplacing 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 Raythe imaginary middle ray of the beam as it comes from the tube
Filtersanything placed between the source of x-rays and the film; usually aluminum placed above the collimator for patient protection
Collimatora device to restrict beam size to the area of interest
X-Ray Beam, X-Raysthe x-rays that come from the tube after the high speed electrons have struck the anode of the tube
Grida device placed between a thick body part and the receptor to absorb scatter & improve image quality
Buckymovable grid under the tabletop that may or may not be present in the wall receptor
Gonadal Shieldlead 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)
Calipersdevice by which body (part) thickness can be determined
Technique Chartposted guidelines for selection of exposure factors
Operator Protected Areathe area in which control panel is located and in which the operator should remain during exposure
Personnel Monitora device worn at the collar to measure occupational exposure to radiation
Lead Apronan apron which is worn by anyone who must remain in the x-ray room during the exposure
Visible Imagepermanent radiographic image after processing transforms the latent image
Reader (CR)location where the image is scanned into a digital format
Workstation Monitorlocation where an image is evaluated, and possibly manipulated, but not advisable
PACSPicture, archiving and communication system
Libelthe WRITTEN information that maliciously leads to defamation of character
Slanderthe VERBAL spread of malicious information resulting in defamation
Greenstick FractureAn incomplete fracture of a bone, common in children due to bones that are not calcified
Spiral FractureTwisting injury common in the lower leg, often seen among skiers. Also found in the humerus from an up and twist motion
Transverse Fracturea clean fracture of a bone straight across the transverse plain
Colles' FractureCommon fracture of the distal radius (wrist), with posterior and medial displacement
Radial Head FractureCommonly 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 FractureCommon fracture seen in the 5th metacarpal (pinky finger). usually caused when a person strikes a solid object with a closed fist
Compression FractureCommonly seen in the spine. Shortened height of the spinous bodies caused over time due to gravity
Asepsisthe absence of germs or microorganisms
Medical Asepsisa technique or procedure which REDUCES the number of microorganisms and therefore prevents the spread of diseases
Surgical Asepsisthe attempt at TOTAL DISTRUCTION of the microorganisms in an attempt to protect against infection before, during and after a surgical procedure
Nosocomial Infectiona category of disease acquired in a hospital
Cathodea negatively charged electrode
Primary Radiationthe beam that leaves the tube
Scatter Radiationradiation that is randomly scattered within or outside the body (part of weakening the beam)
Remnant (exit) Radiationwhat 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
mASmA 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 contrastShort scale- great differences between gray shades but small number of shades. high contrast=big difference. May "hide" some information in the image
Low contrastLong 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
DistortionMisrepresentation of the true size or shape of an object
ShapeAngulation of tube, part or receptor
OIDObject to image distance