2. Special Imaging Systems
Unit VI
Special Imaging Systems

3. Chapter 39
Mobile Radiography

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Objectives
Identify factors contributing to the difficulty of mobile radiography
Explain appropriate communications methods for mobile examinations
Describe items that must be considered when arranging a patient room for a mobile examination
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Objectives
Recommend methods for accomplishing acceptable variations of standard radiographic projections, especially chest examinations for air-fluid levels
Assess the radiation protection rules for mobile radiography
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Objectives
Differentiate light duty portable x-ray units for mobile radiography
Evaluate advantages of capacitor discharge and battery powered mobile units
Explain why technical factor selection is more difficult during mobile radiography
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Objectives
Describe effect of various generator waveforms on kVp
Identify advantages of standardizing mobile SID to one of 40” (100 cm), 56” (140 cm) or 72” (180 cm)
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Objectives
Determine appropriate grids for mobile examinations
Appraise various film/screen combinations for mobile application
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9. Special Patient Considerations
Communication
Manipulating equipment
Positioning and pathology
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Communication
Park mobile unit outside patient’s room
Establish rapport
Get patient’s permission to do the exam
Explain the procedure
Move items that will be in the way
Incognizant patients
Surgery/Emergency Room/ICU
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11. Manipulating Equipment
Watch out for:
Equipment power supplies
Oxygen tubing
Intravenous lines
Catheters, etc.
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12. Manipulating Equipment
Don’t bump the bed or your head
Radiographer’s responsibility to return all items to their original locations
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13. Positioning and Pathology
Maintain typical positioning for examinations
Perform chest radiography in semi-erect position whenever possible
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14. Positioning and Pathology
Increased possibility of artifacts
Remove all radiopaque objects
Move lines from imaging field if possible
Limit coverings to single, smoothed layer
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15. Demonstration of Air-Fluid Levels
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16. Demonstration of Air-Fluid Levels
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Types of Equipment
Power supplies
Generators
Power drive
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Power Supplies
Portable light duty units
220V or 110V outlet
Full power mobile institutional units
Capacitor discharge
Battery operated
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Generators
Capacitor discharge
Constant potential output
Battery operated
3 phase output
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Power Drive
Self-propulsion for mobile unit
Dead-man switch
Must use caution when piloting equipment
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21. Special Technical Factor Selection Considerations
Kilovoltage
Milliampere-seconds
Distance
Grids
Film/screen combinations
Other factors
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Milliampere-Seconds
Low power units not capable of high mAs techniques needed for grid radiography
Double or triple exposure
Be careful not to overload tube
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Distance
Must be measured accurately
40”
56”
72”
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Grids
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25. Film/Screen Combinations
Wide latitude image receptor appropriate
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