RAD1011

Radiographic imaging and methods 1 ( 5 points, SCA Band 2, 0.104 EFTSL)

Leader: Associate Professor Marilyn Baird

Offered:
Clayton First semester 2005 (Day)

Synopsis: The x-ray system, x-ray generators (fixed) and the x-ray console. Causes of scattered radiation and methods for its control. Characteristics of image receptors, fluorescent intensifying screens, screen categories, light diffusion, cassettes. Film materials and the fundamentals of the science of sensitometry. Photochemistry and automatic processing. Radiographic clinical rationale, projections, positioning methodologies and evaluation criteria for the upper and lower limb and chest.

Objectives: On completion of this unit, students will know how to position the patient for upper and lower limb radiographic examinations, and how to modify their approach when required by the clinical presentation of the patient, especially in the case of the paediatric patient; where to direct the central ray and how to evaluate the resultant radiographs, in terms of anatomy, image quality (exposure factors), positioning, movement (sharpness and detail), processing, clinical indications and equipment failure. The imaging component of this unit provides students with an understanding of the x-ray machine and console and film-screen radiography; the production of scatter and its control; the fundamental principles of radiographic film and intensifying screens, photochemistry, processing the latent radiographic image and sensitometry. The methods component of this unit will provide students with a sound understanding of the principles underpinning radiographic positioning and the use of radiographic equipment. Students will have a detailed knowledge of the radiographic projections required to examine the upper and lower limbs. Through the use of tutorial sessions in the clinical setting, the radiographic appearances of the anatomical structures of the upper and lower limbs and their spatial relationships, introduced in Radiologic biology 1, will be reinforced. The recognition of common pathological processes involving the upper and lower limbs will also be reinforced in the same manner.

Assessment: Examination (3 hours): 60% + Laboratory reports: 20% + One multi-image analysis examination: 20%