Special Imaging Systems Unit VI Special Imaging Systems

Chapter 39 Mobile Radiography

Copyright © 2006 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Objectives Identify factors contributing to the difficulty of mobile radiography Explain appropriate communications methods for mobile examinations Describe items that must be considered when arranging a patient room for a mobile examination Copyright © 2006 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Copyright © 2006 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Objectives Recommend methods for accomplishing acceptable variations of standard radiographic projections, especially chest examinations for air-fluid levels Assess the radiation protection rules for mobile radiography Copyright © 2006 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Copyright © 2006 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Objectives Differentiate light duty portable x-ray units for mobile radiography Evaluate advantages of capacitor discharge and battery powered mobile units Explain why technical factor selection is more difficult during mobile radiography Copyright © 2006 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Copyright © 2006 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Objectives Describe effect of various generator waveforms on kVp Identify advantages of standardizing mobile SID to one of 40” (100 cm), 56” (140 cm) or 72” (180 cm) Copyright © 2006 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Copyright © 2006 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Objectives Determine appropriate grids for mobile examinations Appraise various film/screen combinations for mobile application Copyright © 2006 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Special Patient Considerations Communication Manipulating equipment Positioning and pathology Copyright © 2006 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Copyright © 2006 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Communication Park mobile unit outside patient’s room Establish rapport Get patient’s permission to do the exam Explain the procedure Move items that will be in the way Incognizant patients Surgery/Emergency Room/ICU Copyright © 2006 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Manipulating Equipment Watch out for: Equipment power supplies Oxygen tubing Intravenous lines Catheters, etc. Copyright © 2006 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Manipulating Equipment Don’t bump the bed or your head Radiographer’s responsibility to return all items to their original locations Copyright © 2006 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Positioning and Pathology Maintain typical positioning for examinations Perform chest radiography in semi-erect position whenever possible Copyright © 2006 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Positioning and Pathology Increased possibility of artifacts Remove all radiopaque objects Move lines from imaging field if possible Limit coverings to single, smoothed layer Copyright © 2006 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Demonstration of Air-Fluid Levels Copyright © 2006 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Demonstration of Air-Fluid Levels Copyright © 2006 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Copyright © 2006 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Types of Equipment Power supplies Generators Power drive Copyright © 2006 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Copyright © 2006 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Power Supplies Portable light duty units 220V or 110V outlet Full power mobile institutional units Capacitor discharge Battery operated Copyright © 2006 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Copyright © 2006 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Generators Capacitor discharge Constant potential output Battery operated 3 phase output Copyright © 2006 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Copyright © 2006 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Power Drive Self-propulsion for mobile unit Dead-man switch Must use caution when piloting equipment Copyright © 2006 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Special Technical Factor Selection Considerations Kilovoltage Milliampere-seconds Distance Grids Film/screen combinations Other factors Copyright © 2006 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Copyright © 2006 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Milliampere-Seconds Low power units not capable of high mAs techniques needed for grid radiography Double or triple exposure Be careful not to overload tube Copyright © 2006 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Copyright © 2006 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Distance Must be measured accurately 40” 56” 72” Copyright © 2006 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Copyright © 2006 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Grids Copyright © 2006 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Film/Screen Combinations Wide latitude image receptor appropriate Copyright © 2006 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.