Standard

Posted: 03/10/08

R State Standard £ Institutionally Developed College: N/A

RAD 117 - Radiographic Imaging Equipment

Course Description

Provides knowledge of equipment routinely utilized to produce diagnostic images. Various recording media and techniques are discussed. Topics include: radiographic equipment; image intensified fluoroscopy; recording media and techniques; image noise; other imaging equipment; digital imaging/PACS; monitoring and maintenance; and state and federal regulations.

Competency Areas	Hours
Radiographic Equipment	Class	3
Image Intensified Fluoroscopy	D. Lab	0
Recording Media and Techniques	P. Lab/O.B.I.	3
Image Noise	Credit	4
Other Imaging Equipment
Digital Imaging/PACS
Monitoring and Maintenance
State and Federal Regulations

Prerequisite:	RAD 116 (diploma); RAD 116, SCT 100 (degree)
Corequisite:

Course Guide

Competency	After completing this section, the student will be able to:	Hours
		Class	D.Lab	P.Lab/ O.B.I.

Radiographic Equipment		1	0	1
Permanent installation	Discuss permanent installation radiographic equipment in terms of purpose, components, types, and applications.
	Demonstrate the operation of various types of permanent installation radiographic equipment.
Mobile units	Discuss mobile units in terms of purpose, components, types, and applications.
	Demonstrate the operation of various types of mobile unit radiographic equipment.
Image Intensified Fluoroscopy		6	0	1
Definition	Define image intensified fluoroscopy.
Components	Diagram the components of an image intensifier.
Function	Explain the function of an image intensifier.
Intensification	Discuss gain and conversion factor as related to intensification.
Optical system	Describe the optical system of an image intensifier.
Image formation	Discuss image formation in terms of image size, framing, and brightness.
Applications	Discuss applications of image intensified fluoroscopy.
Operation/technique	Discuss operational techniques for using image intensified fluoroscopy equipment.
Recording Media and Techniques		2	0	1
Video tubes	Discuss video tubes in terms of purpose, construction, and applications.
Video recorders	Discuss video recorders in terms of purpose, construction, types, and applications.
Conventional tomography	Discuss conventional tomography in terms of purpose, principles, motions, equipment, and procedure.
Image Noise		2	0	2
Definition/description	Define image noise and describe its appearance.
Types	Discuss types of image noise in terms of source, relation to exposure, relation to definition, relation to contrast, and methods of control.
Other Imaging Equipment		10	0	5
Modalities	Discuss other imaging modalities (i.e., CT, MRI, US, NM, Mammo) in terms of purpose, principles, equipment/material, and procedure.
Digital Imaging/PACS		5	0	15
Foundations	Discuss currently available digital radiography systems and their inherent limitations and propensity to artifact formation.
	Discuss the possible impact of digital radiography systems on population dose and the implications for radiation safety.
	Describe computer programs and data.
	State reasons for using binary code.
	Describe the functions of individual components of a computer.
Digital imaging applications	Adjust image window level and width controls to modify image display.
PACS	Describe picture archiving and communication systems.
	Describe radiographer’s responsibilities related to PACS.
	Explain image quality related to monitor capability.
	Categorize components of a radiologist workstation.
	Classify network capacities required for optimal image communication.
Monitoring and Maintenance		3	0	5
Proper operating conditions	Warm-up the x-ray tube to achieve proper operating conditions by following the manufacturer’s prescribed sequence of steps.
	Perform safety checks of radiographic equipment and accessories (e.g., lead aprons and gloves, collimator accuracy).
	Recognize malfunctions in the radiographic unit (including table, tube, and accessories).
	Note any difficulties experienced which might assist in locating the cause of the malfunction.
	Report malfunctions in the radiographic unit (including table, tube, and accessories).
Digital Imaging Quality Assurance	Categorize initial acceptance testing.
	List QC tests to be done weekly, monthly, and yearly.
Digital Imaging Maintenance	Discuss cassette-based reader PM.
	Describe computed radiography image plate maintenance and cleaning practices.
State and Federal Regulations		1	0	0
State	Identify state agencies involved with regulations, inspections, and enforcement as they relate to safe equipment operation.
	Discuss the role of state agencies involved with regulations, inspections, and enforcement as they relate to safe equipment operation.
Federal	Identify federal agencies involved with regulation and enforcement/ consultation services as they relate to safe equipment operation.
	Discuss the role of federal agencies involved with regulation and enforcement/consultation services as they relate to safe equipment operation.

Suggested Resources

Bontrager, K.L., Lampignano, J.P., Textbook of Radiographic Positioning and Related Anatomy, Elsevier/Mosby.

Bushong, S. C. (1988). Radiologic science for technologists (4^th ed.). St. Louis: Mosby.

Curry, T. S., et al. (1990). Christensen's physics of diagnostic radiology (4^th ed.). Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger.

DeAngelis, R. V., & Edgar, M. (1989). Radiography Workbook Two. Marlboro, NJ: Health & Allied.

Seeram, E. (1989). Imaging equipment. Springfield, IL: C. C. Thomas.

Selman, J. (1985). The Fundamentals of X-ray and Radium Physics (7^th ed.). Springfield, IL: C. C. Thomas.

Sprawls, P. (1990). Radiographic principles. Rockville, MD: Aspen.