1. Fluoroscopy Static Image Recording Systems
Based on:
Principles of Radiographic Imaging, 3rd Ed.
By: R. Carlton & A. Adler
Radiologic Science for Technologists, 8th Ed.
By: S. Bushong
Syllabus on Fluoroscopy Radiation Protection, 6th Rev.
By: Radiologic Health Branch – Certification Unit
PPT created by: Jed Miles, BSRS, RT(R), CRT-CA

2. Static Recording Systems
Static images are necessary when a permanent record of the fluoroscopic examination is required
Spot filming can be performed in a manner that functions as a single image or a series of images simulating a dynamic recording (serial spot films)
Spot filming is accomplished by:
Cassettes (film/screen & imaging plate)
100 or 105 mm chip film (cut film, sheet film)
70 or 100 mm roll film (long roll of film)

3. Cassette Recording
Cassette spot filming uses standard radiographic cassettes
Cassette spot filming utilizes the remnant (pre-intensified) exiting radiation from the patient
Standard sizes include:
9” x 9” (24 x 24 cm)
8” x 10” (18 x 24 cm)
10” x 12” (24 x 30 cm)
Other spot film changers will take 11”x14” and 14”x17

4. Cassette Recording – How it Works
Cassette is stored in a lead lined compartment in the fluoro carriage
Controls on fluoro carriage initiate mechanism for spot film exposure
Cassette is transported to intercept the primary transmitted x-ray beam
X-ray tube current is boosted to ,200 mA
Carriage controls permit selection of different areas of cassette to be exposed
1on1, 2on1, 3on1, 4on1 etc
Collimator shutters AND spot film mask shutters automatically mask to desired area of exposure
Cassette is auto centered to proper area to be exp

5. Cassette Recording – How it Works
After the exposure in initiated, the AEC terminates the exposure at the set density
Cassette is returned to the ‘park’ position in storage compartment
Cassette spot filming causes the single highest dose rate of all fluoro recording mediums
May require up to 300µR per exposure at the cassette
Translates into over 30 mR entrance skin exposure (ESE)
Estimated that each spot film may be equal to more than one minute of fluoroscopic time
There is a significant tendency to over document negative findings in the U.S. due to malpractice litigations

6. Photo Spot Recording (roll, chip, cut or sheet film)
Photospot or spot film cameras photograph the image on the output phosphor of the image intensifier
Typically uses a much higher mA with short exposure time to acquire an image as compared to simple fluoroscopy
20 – 50 times higher dose per frame than fluoro
Still a substantial dose reduction compared to cassette spot film (about 50% reduction per image)
If serial photospots are taken – dose will increase
Photospot camera are close in design to a cine camera
Functionally is much slower
Use larger film sizes
Larger the film format – better the image quality
Larger the film format – larger the required dose

7. Photospot Recording – How it Works
Photospot film changers use either a roll or cut film contained in a supply magazine
70 mm and 105 mm roll film
Camera can operate up to 12 frames / second
Prior to exposure film is positioned in the aperture
A shutter is opened and the x-ray system is energized
Light from the output phosphor is reflected by a beam splitting mirror toward the film
After the exposure, the shutter is closed and the film is advanced to the next position for the process to repeated
Film is collected in a receiver magazine for transport and wet chemical processing
Like sheet film used in conventional radiography the cut and roll film requires wet chemical processing

8. 105 mm Roll Film Camera TV Camera 70mm camera
70mm camera supply and take-up magazine
70mm camera
Light distribution center
Image intensifier

9. 105 mm Roll Film Camera
Camera removed from light distribution center of image intensifier

10. 105 mm Roll Film Camera
Roll film supply magazine removed from photospot camera
Roll film removed from supply magazine

11. UGI Series using 105 mm roll film
Images are cut into strips of 4 and laminated together for ease of handling

12. 105 mm Roll film showing UGI and BE Photospot images
An optical “Overframe” method was used to project the image onto the film

13. Chip or Sheet Film Changers
Chip film changers use individual sheets of 100 or 105 mm film contained in a magazine
Operationally the camera works nearly identical to a roll film changer, with the exception of a mechanical device to handle sheet film
An exposed film receiver stores the images prior to wet chemical film processing of individual sheets

14. Comparison of various image intensification viewing systems
California State Syllabus on Fluoroscopy: page 35

15. California State Syllabus on Fluoroscopy: page 36
Comparison of image recording systems
California State Syllabus on Fluoroscopy: page 36

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