RAD 105 - Fundamentals of Radiography

Credits: 2
Instructional Contact Hours: 2

Provides the fundamental theory and skills related to the production of x-radiation. Emphasizes the basic components of radiographic equipment, the characteristics of radiation, and image formation. Includes methods of control of radiation and image recording systems. Introduces quality control of radiographic equipment. RAD 105 grade will be the same as RAD 105L grade.

Prerequisite(s): Validation and successful clinical entry to the Radiography Program
Corequisite(s): RAD 100, RAD 105L, RAD 108W, RAD 130, RAD 130L, and LW 206A
Lecture Hours: 30
Meets MTA Requirement: None
Pass/NoCredit: No

Outcomes and Objectives

Discuss the discovery of x-rays and historical significance.
Identify the basic components of radiographic equipment.
Identify the characteristics of x-rays.
Identify the components of the x-ray tube.
A. State the function of each component of the x-ray tube.
B. Discriminate between the actual focal spot and the effective focal spot (line focus principle).
C. Diagram and describe the Anode-Heel Effect.
D. Determine the rating of an x-ray tube utilizing a tube rating and anode cooling charts.

Explain the production of radiation.
A. Identify the types of target interactions
B. Discuss the affect of technical factors on the production of radiation
Differentiate between quality and quantity of the x-ray beam
A. Identify variables that affect the emission spectrum graph

Discuss the 5 interactions with matter
A. Define differential absorption
B. Differentiate between radiopaque and radiolucent.
C. Correlate the relationship of kVp and mA with differential absorption.
Explain the use of the Computerized Radiography and Digital Radiography Workstations.
A. Discuss the purpose and manipulation of exposure indicator values.
B. Apply the 15% rule to manipulate exposure indicator values
C. Apply Rule of Thumb to manipulate exposure indicator values
D. Apply Direct Square Law appropriately to maintain exposure indicator values
Discuss beam restriction

Explain the proper use of radiographic grids
A. Calculate Grid Ratio
B. Do calculations using the Grid Conversion formula
Define beam filtration and the various types.
A. Calculate Half Value Layer (HVL)
Demonstrate understanding of specialized radiographic equipment.
A. Identify the components of the radiographic fluoroscopic unit
B. Identify the components of an image intensifier.
C. Explain the functions of the components of the image intensifier.
D. Discuss the effects of minification and flux gain on total brightness gain.
E. Discuss the factors that affect fluoroscopic image contrast, resolution, distortion, and quantum mottle.
F. Explain the basic function of a fluoroscopic automatic brightness control.
G. Discuss safety considerations in performing fluoroscopic examinations.
Discuss radiographic equipment accuracy testing requirements
A. Utilize proper equipment to test beam restriction accuracy
B. Utilize proper equipment to test tube linearity and reproducibility.