Advantages of table-top radiography in pediatric IVPs.

Evidence is presented to support the use of a nongrid table-top procedure for pediatric IVPs. The patient dose and image quality is compared in grid and nongrid techniques using identical film-screen systems. All projections are KUBs of children with abdominal thicknesses less than 13 cm who are involved in IVP examinations. Image quality is shown to be affected adversely beyond 13 cm. The use of the table-top method is helpful to the radiologist and technologist and beneficial to the patient.

Using the anode heel effect for extremity radiography.

The profession's literature contains numerous references to the variations in x-ray intensity along the cathode-anode axis of the x-ray tube. The significance of this gradient in intensity when x-raying extremities is neither recognized nor routinely used by radiographers. This study documents the significance of the anode heel effect for balancing densities of distal and proximal joints during long bone extremity radiography.

Using the same exposure factors for wet and dry casts.

This article presents laboratory and clinical findings that suggest the exposure factors for wet and dry casts should be the same and the selection of factors should be based on cast thickness rather than water content.

Advantages of a 400 speed image receptor system for cast radiography.

By using a faster intensifying screen as opposed to the traditional extremity system for cast radiography, one can reduce the dose to the patient significantly while maintaining quality cast radiographs. In this study a 400 speed Lanex Regular, TMG film system was compared to a 100 speed Lanex Fine, TMG film system. The findings suggest that slow speed, high resolution systems are unnecessary for cast radiography. Evidence demonstrated reduced patient exposure and suggested decreased motion and increased tube life as a result of shorter exposures.

Niobium/aluminum filters reduce patient exposure.

Reducing patient exposure while maintaining image quality is key to radiographers. In a comparison study of different filters, the authors found that a combined niobium/aluminum filter provides substantial reduction of entrance skin exposure with fairly small increases in tube loading and little loss of image contrast.