X-Ray Technique Charts?

Question

I'm a radiolography student and the one thing they don't teach us in school is where to start with kVp and mAs. I realize that there can't be a single correct technique chart that works everywhere, but I was wondering if the techs out there that have technique charts at their facilities would mind putting up a copy of their chart so that I can collect them and at least work out some basics to start from. The newer Merrill's has some such charts in it, but there are certain differences, like Merrill's standard SID is 48in. and every clinical site I've been to uses 40in. So I'm sort of at a loss, but I'd really like to learn this...

er... radiography student.

Answer 1

you answered your own question - "there can't be a chart that works everywhere....". What some schools do is teach you that the kVp should increase with the thickness of the part that is being Xrayed, so they give you a caliper to measure the thickness of the object. But that's about it. The reality is that you must use experience. You can start with the technique that a fellow Xray tech is using. After developing the picture, you can see if penetration is achieved - this tells you is you have enough kVp. Then check the lightness or darkness. You adjust this with MAS. Yes it is guessing but because of my experience, my first guess is usually right. I enjoyed getting it right on my first shot and then watching the others going back to repeat their shot because they believed they needed 2 shots to get it right. If you really want to be a first rate tech, then get it right on the first shot.

Answer 2

X Ray Technique Chart

Answer 3

Regardsless what others tell you, you should always use a technique chart. Otherwise you are guessing. Is that what you want others to do with you (your Dr.)?

There are many factors that contribute to a technique chart. Output of the x-ray tube (varies from machine to machine) and the "speed" of your "system" (200, 400, extremity film, Par, etc..). Then there is grid/non-grid and what grid ratio you're using (grid conversion factors). Along with the different SIDs that you mentioned(inverse square law). Then there is phototiming (AEC) or not.

So 1 technique won't work universal. Then we could talk about CR/DR.



Send me an email if you want further info.

I remember technique was the hardest part of x-ray school for me. It wasn't until I had to use it that I "Got" it

Good Luck

Answer 4

I don't need to use one anymore, so I don't have one for you, but you could try to contact Fuji, Kodak, GE, etc - makers of x-ray equipment - to see if they could provide you with one. I know when I was in school, one of the systems we used was Fuji and they gave us a chart. It's worth a shot. Also, our clinical instructors gave us techniques to start from, for example 120kv @ 4mas for an average PA chest, then go from there depending on body habitus.

Good luck.