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Radiology Student Chat Zone :: Question for wvaio

November 1, 2009 on 5:32 am | In Uncategorized | Comments Off Author: wvaio
Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 9:32 pm (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 3

First off "manual" means that there is NO AEC used. You choose a set kVp and mAs. The tube produces that exposure. The system calculates the exposure by determining a set mA and time, equaling mAs. If you set 3.2 mAs manually, the system will produce 3.2 mAs, not peak. If you shoot 10 times at 3.2 mAs, theoretically you would have 10 exposures of 3.2 mAs.

Secondly, The term "bucky" refers to the reciprocating grid that is housed inside of the table or upright wall unit. The Bucky can be used with AEC or with a manual technique. Either way, milliseconds before the start of the exposure, the grid begins reciprocating to blur the grid lines and clean up scatter. The Bucky is completely separate from the AEC system. The term "bucky" is loosely used as a term to describe the drawer that holds the cassette. It is actually called a bucky drawer. The wall unit as a whole can also be referred to as a bucky because it houses a bucky unit within it. The actual bucky moves in unicine with the bucky drawer, so that they are always positioned together.

The AED or AEC(one in the same) uses the ionization chambers. They calculate the number of photons that have passed through the patient and scattered by the patient.

After reading this, reread the prior post on ionization chambers again and see if it starts to make more sense.

Feel free to keep asking questions. I am more than happy to answer them all. It keeps me sharp!

Wvaio
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“Whether you think that you can, or that you can't, you are usually right.” --- Henry Ford

Radiology Student Chat Zone :: Question for wvaio

November 1, 2009 on 5:32 am | In Uncategorized | Comments Off Author: traineetech
Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 4:12 pm (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 3

Another question before you hopefully reply...

Say you set a manual technique of 55kV and 3.2mAs, it would peak at 3.2mAs and cut off.

But if you use an AEC with the same expsure factors, it would also cut off at 3.2 mAs

So what is the difference between the two? Why use one over the other if you see what I mean?

Unless the words 'manual' refer to the fact that no chamber/aec device is used, and that the machine itself will cut off at 3.2 for a manual technique? Whereas on an AEC technique, it's the chambers that detect the 3.2 before cutting off?

I'm getting confused!

Radiology Student Chat Zone :: Question for wvaio

November 1, 2009 on 5:32 am | In Uncategorized | Comments Off Author: traineetech
SubjectQuestion for wvaio
Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 3:44 pm (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 3

Hi, wvaio, you helped me out a little before about ionisation chambers, but I am still a little confued, so wondered if you can help me out.

First question:

I think what I'm confused with is the actual definition of a bucky. Is the bucky the same thing as the grid or are they two separate things? I get confused with people at placement saying out of bucky or out of grid etc...

I thought that the word bucky was just another name for a grid, but maybe I'm wrong? Or is the word bucky just another name for the ionization chambers?

I know what a grid is (an anti scatter device) but I thought that if you're using a grid, you're automatically using a bucky, but maybe I'm wrong here. Could you clear this up for me?

Second question:

At placement we use both digital radiography and CR.

Say you did a chest X-Ray using CR with no AEC, with 96kV and 3.5mAs - Is it the ionization chambers' job to detect when 3.5mAS has been used up before termination the exposure or have I got that wrong?

IE, what is the difference betwween an ionization chamber and an automatic exposure device? Do AED's have ionzation chambers?

Just confused here, and could do with some help

Thanks and hope you can help

Radiology Nursing Forums :: Could use some help please

November 1, 2009 on 5:32 am | In Uncategorized | Comments Off Author: beccram
SubjectCould use some help please
Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2009 11:41 am (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

Hello all,

I have been "volunteered" to make nursing policy and procedure for an Imaging Center. I have never done anything like this and don't know where to start!!

Can anyone share, point me in a direction, etc?

I would really appreciate it!

Thank you, Becky
_________________
L&D,ER,Trauma,Imaging,PACU,Outpt.Recovery,Infusion THerapy

Ask a Technologist :: potential student with questions

November 1, 2009 on 5:32 am | In Uncategorized | Comments Off Author: hjhogle
Posted: Sun Oct 25, 2009 6:07 pm (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 1

I'd be fascinated to hear what potential (accredited?) program you're considering that "lets you pick up to 2 specialties, mammography, CT, MRI, and vascular systems" before you've even become an RT.

In the meantime.

General radiography ... this is not a desk job. You'll be on your feet, involved with your job and your patients every minute that you're on shift. You'll be lifting patients, pushing portable machines, moving other equipment - this profession is physically demanding. Patient care is a significant part of what we do. Students are expected to experience all of it and it isn't always pretty. I've been thrown up on, pooped on, bled on. Punched in the gut once by a ER patient on PCP.

And I wouldn't change my career choice for any amount of money. I've done a lot of different things, worked from Florida almost to the Canadian border. I've never found it difficult to find a job, but in the current economic environment with an excess of Radiography graduates out there, new graduates are finding it tough.

I've usually felt respected in the hospitals I've worked in, others do not feel that way.

And by all means, if you are able, I would encourage you to go for the 4-year degree. Begining in 2015, you will not be eligible for national certification if you do not have a 2-year degree - having been active in the profession for the last 30 years, it makes sense to me that it won't be long after that the 4-year degree becomes the norm.

hjh, RT