identification of radiographs

Science & Instrumentation III

IDENTIFICATION OF RADIOGRAPHS

OBJECTIVES1. The importance of identification2. The types/ range of information required3. Methods of recording information

• Opaque markers and legends• Actinic markers• Perforating devices• Photographic markings• Identification of dental film4. Any new developments in this area.

THE IMPORTANCE OF IDENTIFICATION

IMPORTANCE OF IDENTIFICATION • What is required on a radiograph in addition to adequate

demonstration of the part examined?

Identification.

IMPORTANCE OF IDENTIFICATION • To avoid a mix-up of patients examined. • To keep proper legal medical records.• To identify information on the radiograph, e.g. anatomic side

RANGE OF INFORMATION REQUIRED

RANGE OF INFORMATION REQUIRED• Any radiograph whatsoever should include on it, preferably in

indelible form the following information1. Full name2. Date of birth.3. Hospital number or code.4. Name of hospital.5. Date and time of examination

Right or left anatomical side marker.

Position of patient or projection, e.g. PA, RAO, ERECT, etc.

Timing of the film in given sequence, e.g. 5 min, 1 h, etc.

Number of film in rapid sequence, e.g. in aortography

Layer height in tomography.

Tube angulation used

Whether mobile or ward radiograph.

Miscellaneous information, e.g. Post micturition , after fatty meal, etc

RANGE OF INFORMATION REQUIRED

RANGE OF INFORMATION REQUIRED

All information, of whatever type, must be added to the film in such away that it is: 1.Readable when the radiograph is viewed from correct aspect.2.Not superimposed on any important anatomy.3.Included within the collimated area.

RANGE OF INFORMATION REQUIREDMiscellaneous information:1.Radiographer’s or technologist’s identity.2.The particular cassette or screen used.

METHODS OF RECORDING INFORMATION

METHODS OF RECORDING INFORMATION

1. Opaque markers and legends.2. Perforating devices.3. Actinic marker.4. Photographic marking5. Identification of dental film

METHODS OF RECORDING INFORMATION

Opaque Markers & Legends.

•Lead numbers or letters are placed in a holder or taped directly to the face of the film holder at the time of film exposure. The lead letters attenuate the primary x-ray beam so that the film directly under the lead is unexposed and appears transparent on the radiograph.

METHODS OF RECORDING INFORMATION

Opaque Markers & Legends.a)Radiopaque legends and letters for use in marking radiographb) Marker for radiographs-the upper case letter is incised in a thin piece of metal. The letter is centered in the lead, mounted in a Perspex plaque.

• Anatomical marker suitable for placing over the edge of a cassette to record on the film either the right or left.

• Right (R) and Left (L) marker for anatomical orientation.

METHODS OF RECORDING INFORMATION

METHODS OF RECORDING INFORMATION• Cone radiograph marker may obscured anatomical structures of

interest

• Accurately hung & marked radiograph.

• Incorrectly hung PA projection

METHODS OF RECORDING INFORMATION

METHODS OF RECORDING INFORMATION

METHODS OF RECORDING INFORMATION

METHODS OF RECORDING INFORMATION

METHODS OF RECORDING INFORMATION• Precaution when using lead letters and legends:

• The character should not be placed where it obscures a feature of diagnostic importance.

• If the irradiated field is limited by a cone or collimator its useless to place a marker close to the border of the cassette as it will receive no exposure.

METHODS OF RECORDING INFORMATION

Actinic MarkerWill photograph the details onto The film after exposure but prior to processing

Uses a small light source to photograph the patient details from a slip onto an unexposed area of the film for this purpose

METHODS OF RECORDING INFORMATION

Actinic Marker•The film marker is used to transfer information that has been written or typed on a piece of paper to an industrial or medical X-ray film.• The housing contains a light source and electronic regulator assembly. •The top plate of the housing acts as a film stage. •Towards the rear of the film stage there is an aperture covered by opal glass. •The light source is located directly below the aperture. •Above the aperture is a hinged flap, lined with foam rubber. •When the flap is pressed down, the light source illuminates for a predetermined length of time.

METHODS OF RECORDING INFORMATION

METHODS OF RECORDING INFORMATION• A Kodak X-omatic cassette showing the widow through which

patient detail may be photograph.

METHODS OF RECORDING INFORMATION

Perforating Devices •Films and other records may be perforated with letters or figures as means of identification using machines.•Films are indelibly marked with perforations arranged as characters through the use of a unique, highly machined, die punch•Most applicable when a large number of radiographs has to be marked with same information e.g. hospital name and date of examination.

METHODS OF RECORDING INFORMATION

Advantages•Permanent identification.•Is economical in time.•Shows information neatly and uniformly.•Reduces the likelihood of error

METHODS OF RECORDING INFORMATION

Photographic Marking• The information from A is transferred to a radiograph placed at B.

METHODS OF RECORDING INFORMATION

Film Identification Camera

METHODS OF RECORDING INFORMATION Dental Film Identification

Film Dot•Dental film is embossed with a raised dot in one of the corners.•The convex side of the dot indicates front side of the film. •The dot is used to identify right from left. •The convexity of the dot is placed at the occlusal edge and toward the x-ray tube. The concavity of the dot is placed toward the tongue or palate.•To determine whether a film is on the right or left side, imagine where the convex dot is located, and identify the progression of teeth from incisors to molars.

METHODS OF RECORDING INFORMATION

Dental Film IdentificationFilm Dot

METHODS OF RECORDING INFORMATION

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8765432112345678 LR

Upper

Lower

NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THE IDENTIFICATION OF RADIOGRAPHS

NEW DEVELOPMENTS• Id printers• CR / DR System

REFERENCES• Easton, S., & Easton, S. (2012). Practical veterinary diagnostic

imaging (2nd ed.). Chichester, West Sussex, UK: Wiley-Blackwell.

• Actinic Film Marker. (n.d.). Retrieved April 19, 2015, from http://www.ie-ndt.co.uk/actinicfilmmarker.html

• Chapter 12. (n.d.). Retrieved April 19, 2015, from http://compepid.tuskegee.edu/syllabi/clinical/small/radiology/chapter12.html