Marker Placement for extremities

zapxraytech · Joined: 06 Jul 2006 Posts: 1

I know that one is supposed to mark films in the anatomical position...But I'm confused with PA hand, PA Wrist, Elbow, Foot and digits. For example.. If I'm doing a Right Hand should I place my marker on the thumb side of the hand or the oppsite side on the pinky side? I see that it's different with each tech...What's correct?

MissE · Moderator Joined: 29 Jun 2006 Posts: 156 Location: Ohio

Hello! It can be tricky to mark an extremity!! I have been taught to mark the outside or lateral side. If it is a PA hand then the outside is the pinky side. Also, if you are doing 2 radiographs on 1 cassette, then place the marker so it is on the outside of the body and toward the middle of the cassette so when you set up for the 2nd radiograph you know where the edge of the light field was for your first xray. Wink

NAT · Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2006 10:29 am Post subject:

I place my marker laterally for all extremity films. And as MissE explained, your marker can help you manage two views on one cassette. Wink

bigskygal · Joined: 05 May 2006 Posts: 18

If a student is taught anatomically to place the marker on the lateral side then that means on PA hands wrists, etc it should be on the thumb side. One can also control the cassette by placing it on this side. Just be careful of some of the books contradicting themselves on marker placement.