VST 206 Veterinary Cardiology and Radiology Topic I Overview of Radiographic Equipment Objective: This topic will provide

a frame for the more detailed discussions that will follow. The basic components of x-ray equipment and radiographic procedure will be identified. In addition of providing a reference point for further theory, it will enable students to quickly move into a position from which they will be able to operate the x-ray machine in the laboratory. Journal Articles: - Introduction to Digital Imaging, D. Tudor, BS, RT. TNJ, fall 2008, pages 39-44. - Basics of Radiology, K. Hansen, Veterinary Technician, January 2007, pages 8-22. I. The Radiographic Machine A. Basic Structures (see attached diagram)
1. Tube Housing: Contains the x- ray tube used for the production of x-rays (properly

known as radiographs). Heel Effect: a decrease in x-ray intensity on the anode side of the beam due to the anode target angle. Ideally the thicker portion of the object to be radiographed should be under the cathode side whenever possible.
2. Tube Stand: Supports the x-ray tube. Should be as steady as possible otherwise artifacts

can occur.
3. Collimator: Limits divergence of the s-ray beam. Serves to prevent unnecessary

irradiation of the patient or persons restraining.

4. X-ray table: Contains the grid which is a device that is there for the purpose of absorbing

scatter radiation. The grid is not to be used on a patient or object less than 8 cm in thickness. Always used if thickness is greater than 10 cm.
5. Film Tray: Holds the cassette containing the radiographic film. 6. Step up Transformer: Converts incoming line voltage into high energy kilovolts

required for the production of x-rays.

7. Control Panel: Regulates the events occurring inside the x-ray tube.

B. Parts of the Control Panel

1. mA (milliamperage) setting: Regulates current flowing through the cathode filament;

regulates the number of x-rays (radiation) generated by the x-ray tube at a given exposure. The x-ray tubes filament is heated by a low voltage or low tension circuit. A step down transformer reduces available voltage (110-120 Volts) to approximately 10 Volts. 1

VST 206 Veterinary Cardiology and Radiology Topic I Overview of Radiographic Equipment The voltage has to be stepped down because the filament has very little resistance (the tube filament is small and thin- much like a light bulb filament). Higher mA setting allows for shorter time setting with the same amount of radiation produced. The higher the setting, the hotter the filament gets. The hotter the filament gets, the more electrons are available for x-ray radiation to penetrate the tissue and create an image. mAs (milliamperage seconds) = mA x time (seconds) As mA is increased, exposure time can be decreased: 20 mA x 1/2 sec = 10 mAs 100 mA x 1/10 sec = 10 mAs 200 mA x 1/20 sec = 10 mAs 300 mA x 1/30 sec = 10 mAs

Machines with higher mA capability are more powerful and have increased diversity of use. Typical milliamperage settings: 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 400, 500 and 600. The ammeter records the current flow in older machines. It is displayed digitally in newer radiographic machines. 2. kVp (kilovoltage potential) settings The kVp setting (autotransformer) regulates the energy level of electrons that travel from the cathode to the anode. The energy to the kilovotage circuit is determined by the step up transformer which converts the voltage selected by the autotransformer (kVp setting) from volts to kilovolts. The autotransformer also serves as the line voltage compensator adjusting the line voltage so that is remains constant. Checking or zeroing the line voltage is done manually or automatically, depending on the machine. Kilovoltage setting is directly related to the energy level of the x-rays produced. The kinetic energy of the electrons when they reach the target is proportional to the potential difference between the anode and the cathode (kVp = the maximum energy available at that kV setting). As kVp is increased the shorter the wavelength of the x-ray beam produced. The penetrating power of the x-ray beam increases as the wavelength decreases. Increased frequency of (radiographic) beams with short wavelengths () penetrate tissue better than ..

Decreased frequency (radiographic) beams with longer wavelengths (). 2

VST 206 Veterinary Cardiology and Radiology Topic I Overview of Radiographic Equipment Higher kVp settings allow for lower mA settings which generally call for shorter exposure time. The kVp can be estimated utilizing an equation known as Santes rule: (2 x object thickness in cm) + SID = kVp The object of interest is measured with a caliper in centimeters (cm). The SID (source to image distance) represents the distance from the x-ray tubes focal spot (source of xrays) to the film. Exposures that require the use of a grid require that the grid factor be added to Santes Rule. 3. Timer setting - Regulates exposure time (i.e. the amount of time x-rays are released). Controlling the exposure time will regulates the number of x-rays generated during an exposure. By decreasing exposure time the possibility of error from motion is decreased. Doing so will also decreases the exposure time to personnel and patient. 4. On/Off Switch: There are three ways to turn the machine on: 1) Circuit Breaker 2) On/ Off switch on the control panel 3) Automatic shut-off safety switch: the machine is turned back on with the control panel on/off switch. 5. Voltage compensator: Present on older machines. This voltmeter allows for manual adjustment of the transformer to correct inconsistent electrical output from the main line. To be checked when the machine is turned on) 6. (Pre-exposure) Rotor button: spins the anode 7. Exposure button: lets us control the exact moment when the radiograph is taken.

VST 206 Veterinary Cardiology and Radiology Topic I Overview of Radiographic Equipment