RAD 105 - Fundamentals of Radiography

Credits: 4

     A.          Discuss the discovery of x-rays and historical significance.

     B.          Identify the characteristics of x-rays.

     C.          Correlate energy, penetrating power, wavelength, and frequency.

     D.          State the speed of electromagnetic radiation in a vacuum.

     E.          State the three elements essential for the production of x-rays.

     F.           Diagram and identify the components of the x-ray tube.

     G.          State the function of each component of the x-ray tube.

     H.          Discriminate between a stationary and rotating anode tube.

     I.            Correlate the manipulation of the kV selector, mA selector, and time selector with the production of x-radiation within the tube.

     J.           Correlate filament current with thermionic emission.

     K.           Correlate filament size with focal spot size.

     L.            Discriminate between the actual focal spot and the effective focal spot.

     M.           Explain how milliamperage, kilovoltage and time affect the x-ray beam.

     N.           Differentiate between primary, secondary and remnant radiation.

     O.           Diagram and describe the Anode-Heel Effect.

     P.            Calculate heat units.

     Q.           Determine the rating of an x-ray tube utilizing a tube rating chart.

     R.           Calculate the rate of heat dissipation utilizing a tube cooling chart.

     S.           Correlate the anode heat capacity with the heat dissipation rate.

     T.            Explain the types of tube cooling.

2.    Demonstrate an understanding of the production and characteristics of radiation.

     A.          Define differential absorption.

     B.          Correlate the relationship of kVp and mA with differential absorption.

     C.          List two factors, which determine differential absorption of x-rays.

     D.          Explain exponential attenuation.

     E.          Define and describe secondary radiation.

     F.           Differentiate between radiopaque and radiolucent.

     G.          Differentiate between primary, secondary, and remnant radiation..

     H.          State the effects of kV and atomic number on the production of secondary radiation.

     I.           Compare the production of bremsstrahlung radiation with the production of characteristic radiation.

     J.          Discuss the relationships of wavelength and frequency to beam characteristics.

 3.    Demonstrate an understanding of radiographic image formation.

     A.          Correlate the quality of the x-ray beam with selective tissue absorption within the patient.

     B.          Relate the process of ionization to a silver bromide crystal exposed to x-radiation and/or light.

     C.          Explain the location, chemical composition, and the function of the sensitization speck.

     D.          Correlate the sensitization speck to the process of latent image formation.

     E.          List the steps involved in the formation of the latent image.

 4.    Demonstrate an understanding of x-ray film, handling and processing.

     A.          Diagram and label a cross-section of double emulsion radiographic film.

     B.          State the composition and function of each component of radiographic film.

     C.          Describe the chemical process of silver-bromide crystal production.

     D.          Differentiate between the different types of film and their application.

     E.          Describe film artifacts and list the causes.

     F.           Identify the components in the developer and fixer.

     G.          State the general and specific functions of each component in the developer and fixer.

     H.          Identify the main systems in the automatic processor and describe the role of each in radiographic processing.

     I.            Correlate latent image formation with visible image formation.

5.    The student will demonstrate an understanding of image recording systems and their relationship to visible image formation.

     A.          Draw and label a cross-section of an intensifying screen.

     B.          Differentiate between fluorescence and phosphorescence.

     C.          Identify the compounds most commonly utilized in intensifying screens.

     D.          Explain the relationship between intensifying screens and latent image formation.

     E.          Discuss the principle characteristics of radiographic intensifying screens.

     F.           Discuss the importance of spectral matching of screens and films.

     G.          Explain the relationship between crystal size and speed of intensifying screens.

     H.          Explain the relationship between screen thickness and screen speed.

     I.           Correlate the use of intensifying screens with patient dose.

6.    Demonstrate an understanding of methods of radiation control and their use.

     A.          Identify three classifications of beam restrictors.

     B.          Discuss the construction of each type of beam restrictor.

     C.          List the advantages and disadvantages of each type of beam restrictor.

     D.          Discuss PBL and its use in imaging.

     E.          Correlate the relationship between beam restrictors and scattered radiation.

     F.           State the purpose of a radiographic grid.

     G.          Explain the different types of grids.

     H.          Diagram and label a cross-section of a radiographic grid.

     I.            Explain the significance of grid ratio and grid frequency in relation to the remnant beam.

     J.           Compare and contrast stationary and moving grids.

     K.           Define beam filtration and the various types.

     L.           Explain the purpose of beam filtration related to patient dose and scattered radiation production.