axial view

Flyrite07 · Joined: 02 Sep 2008 Posts: 4

is it better to set your tube angle and light field with the receptor or seat the patient and then adjust the tube angle/distance? for some reason i always have a hard time setting this up. any tips?

Randythetech · Joined: 10 Oct 2008 Posts: 11

It depends upon how you're performing the axial view, upright or on table.

If you're at a site that allows for the upright, I'd suggest doing it that way first of all. The angulation and centering is the same, but the long of the foot is parallel to the film, with patient bent foward. It's easier to accomplish, reduces OID, and grants you better image quality.

Personally, I like to center the anatomy to the film first, give the tube the 35-40 degree angle and then center the light field to the cassette. I'm also not one to worry about getting the central ray DIRECTLY upon the anatomy, as in, you can be a 1/4" higher than the intended point on the os calsis and still come out with a beautiful image. In fact, centering a bit higher then expected can actually give you a film with greater image quality.

I'd, of course, save the dorsiflexing until everything else is in order, unless you're doing it upright. In that case, no bands or dorsiflex to worry about (technically speaking)

Hope that helps!