Radiology Position Notes
Distances
72”
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Oblique cervical
Lateral cervical
Pa & Lat CXR
Flex & Ext cervical
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Everything else
40”
Breathing
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Above diaphragm = inspiration
Below diaphragm = expiration
Cervical views & swimmers spot = expiration with shoulders depressed
Thoracic = inspiration
Film Sizes
Think Regionally!
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Cervical Region = 8x10
Thoracic Region = 14x17
Lumbar Region= 11x14
All “spots” = 8x10
CXR = 14x17 INSIGHT FILM (must state this to the grader) *flash up*
Abdomen = 14x17 *flash down*
Pelvis 14x17 *flash down*
Tube Angles
***All tube angles will end with the number 5***
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Lower Cervical/Cervical oblique = 15* (AP – cephalic; PA – caudal)
o Angle opens the IVF’s
o ASS = Anterior same side (ivf)
o POOP= Posterior opposite side (ivf)
Pillars = 35* (ap – caudal; pa – cephalic)
o Views articular pillars (bony portion of z-joints)
Ferguson = 35* (ap – cephalic; pa – caudal)
o Views L5-S1 joint space
Swimmers = 5* caudal
o Views C7-T1 vertebrae
o Use Lateral Lumbar technique from supertech
Filters
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AP thoracic = filter upper portion
Lateral Thoracic = filter lower portion
Lateral Lumbar = Nolan system of filters
Good knowledge
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Know xray series knowledge
When/where shields are used (gonad and/or thyroid)
Always use correction factor for the proper tube distance (double check during exam)
Double check control panel:
o Manual technique selected
o Wall bucky (or table bucky) selected
o Proper time
 <0.1 second CXR
 <0.5 second all others
o Small focal spot if control panel allows
Don’t get hung up on perfect MAS selection. Select next highest MAS if between numbers.
Always measure the patient from the point the xray beam enters to the point it exits the body.
Anode heel effect: Cathode over the thickest portion
Center beam slightly to the upside of the patient on oblique ribs and oblique lumbar
Place markers on the side of the patient touching the bucky for any oblique views
Oblique views showing same anatomy:
o RAO=LPO
o RPO=LAO
o Simply change the first 2 letters to the opposites; R to L or A to P
o Ferguson + Pillars add +1 to the correction factor (don’t move the tube)
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