Why do radiographers follow a set of steps for each procedure🤔

☞To ensure patient safety, improve efficiency, and to reduce work errors.

Ex. Table or wall unit with an image receptor holder

☑︎ Room preparation: clean equipment & accessories gathered such as grid, sponges, shield, etc.

☑︎ Choose IR: size & orientation

☑︎ Identify patient: name & DOB

☑︎ Obtain patient history

☑︎ Explain procedure

☑︎ Prepare patient: removing clothing and any artifact items

☑︎ Set Technical factors

☑︎ Position patient: wedges/sponges may be used depending on position

☑︎ Set SID: varies depending on anatomy being imaged

☑︎ Align IR and CR

☑︎ Position part

☑︎ Collimate

☑︎ Correct marker placement

☑︎ Shield patient

☑︎ Provide any necessary patient instructions: breathing instructions

☑︎ Expose

☑︎ Evaluate radiograph

☑︎ Release patient: including exit instructions/follow-up information

A more complex procedure, such as fluoroscopy, will involve more equipment/supplies. For example, for a speech swallow, the technologist will gather controlled amounts of foods and liquids to prepare for this exam.

✔︎Keep room clean to minimize transmission of infection

✔︎Use appropriate and required protection when there is a possibility of coming into contact with infectious organisms

✔︎Check with nursing staff or physician to obtain assistance and permission to move a part that has had surgery or is fractured

✔︎Verify correct procedure order

✔︎Observe patient conditions

✔︎If a patient has voluntary motion: use sponges to help support patient and ensure patient comfort

✔︎Shielding should be used when appropriate

✔︎Some examinations may require a grid 

• Anterior (ventral): forward or front part of body or organ
• Posterior (Doral): back part of body or organ
• Inferior: nearer the feet or situated below
• superior: nearer the head or situated above
• central: middle area or main part of an organ
• lateral: parts away from median plane of body or away from the middle of another body part
• medial: parts toward median plane of body or toward the middle of another body part
• distal: parts farthest away from point of attachment
• proximal: parts nearer point of attachment
• external: parts outside an organ or on outside of body
• internal: parts within or on the inside of an organ
• dorm: the top or anterior surface of the foot or to the back or posterior surface of the hand
• plantar: the sole of the foot
• erect: either standing or sitting
• decubitus: lying down
• supine: lying on back
• prone: lying face-down
• lateral decubitus: lying on one
• side right lateral: right side touches the cassette
• left lateral: left side touches the cassette