Principles of Imaging Science II (RAD120)

Exposure Systems

Exposure System Selection

Radiographic exposure is a very complex process

Best technique systems manipulate one variable while holding others constant

Goal of any exposure system is consistency Facilities that post and maintain exposure technique charts have lower repeat rates

Comparing Exposure Systems

Technologists may develop personal preference

Should use system employed by imaging facility

Students should learn all possible systems before making personal selection

Anatomically Programmed Radiography (APR)

Radiographer can override technique to customize for individual patients If well maintained, only a mAs correction factor is necessary Computerized technique charts Radiographer selects body part/projection

Phototiming Systems

Automatic Exposure Control (AEC) Radiographer selects kVp and possibly backup mA and time Equipment automatically terminates exposure Art of phototiming requires learning when to use it and when not to use it

EXPOSURE SYSTEMS

Automatic Exposure Control (AEC, AED)

Allows for consistent radiographic images regardless of patient size or pathology Results in lower patient dose, increased dept efficiency, lower film and processing cost, longer tube life

AEC TYPES - Ion Chamber

Located below grid and above the cassette 2 electrodes separated by air encased in thin aluminum shell X-ray photons penetrate ion chamber e- in air are released, ionization occurs. Free e- attracted to positive electrode, flow along electric circuit to a capacitor

Stores charge until maximum reached. Additional electricity causes discharge, activates timer for exposure termination.

AEC TYPES Ion Chamber

Control Panel Activation:

AEC, 3 Chambers

Selection is based on anatomical part Averaging of chambers

AEC

kVp, mA, Density Setting

Effect on exposure time RT error in setup

Backup Timer

Correct bucky, tube, or grid centering 600 mAs maximum

AEC: Minimizing Errors

Positioning Pathology Prosthetic devices Collimation RSS Calibration

AEC TYPES Phototimer

Older type of AEC device Consists of:

Fluoroescent screen Photomultiplier tube

Located below cassette

X-ray photons from patient interact with fluorescent screen. PM tube receives light energy from the screen, converts it to electrical energy. Energy passes to capacitor to terminate exposure. Cassettes cannot have lead foil

Part Measurement

No exposure system can work effectively without accurate measurement of part thickness

Failure to measure part correctly will result in increased exposures and patient dose

Part Measurement

Calipers

Central ray entrance Thickest part Other

Approach must be followed by all department radiographers

EXPOSURE SYSTEMS

Designed to produce consistent results Steps in development

Produce phantom images Select optimal image Determine chart to utilize Phantom testing Clinical trials Fine tune chart and review periodically

EXPOSURE SYSTEMS

Fixed Kilovoltage

Most often used Highest optimal kVp is used that is acceptable for the contrast desired mAs is doubled for every 5cm of tissue

5 cm ankle = 6 mAs 10 cm = ?

Fixed kVp System

ADVANTAGES Patient dose is minimized Contrast is uniform Increased exposure latitude Increased X-ray tube life Minimizes motion

DISADVANTAGES Long scale contrast Limited variety of mAs for pt. sizes

EXPOSURE SYSTEMS

Variable Kilovoltage

mAs is determined by body part thickness 2 kVp/cm + 30, or +40, or +50 Baseline 2 kVp/cm thickness

5 cm ankle = 10 kVp + 30, 40, or 50

If standard is determined to be 60 kVp, then

10 cm ankie = 70 kVp

Variable kVp System

ADVANTAGES Small kVp changes for body part thickness

DISADVANTAGES Variable pt.dose Variable contrast Penetration not assured and/or overpenetration occurs

Film/Screen, CR, DR Application