Tips for Skill 49

This skill will require you to use digital or film stationary X-ray machines, take diagnostic radiographs, position small animal patients, use OFA applications/ positioning for canine hip dysplasia, and implement radiation safety measures. Upon completion of this skill, you will be able to perform basic radiographic studies using a stationary X-ray machine, to take a number of different diagnostic views. You will also be able to position canine patients in the standard OFA position for diagnosis of hip dysplasia.

Tips for materials that need to be submitted:

• Properly labeled film or digital radiographic studies (two views each) completed by student. You must complete each of the following

  • Extremity study

    • Radius/ ulna or tibia/ fibula

      • Lateral and a cranialcaudal view

    • Thoracic study

      • Lateral and VD

    • Abdominal

      • Lateral and VD

    • OFA study

      • VD of pelvis

      • It is very important that you have the correct positioning for this view, make sure you review it in your textbook

  • Each radiograph must include label that was applied using your digital x-ray system (if using film see film section below), it must contain all of the required information needed for identification and interpretation of the radiograph. Students are not allowed to alter the image in any manner, this includes adding their own labeling to the image.

  • You may send either the digital file, or a clear photo of your radiographs. Ensure that all identification markers are visible in your image. Do not alter the image in any way before submitting it. Do not email the file to your evaluator.

  • You need to have proper collimation. If you are not sure why this is important, this is a sign to you that you need to go back and review your study material to learn why collimation is important and beneficial

  • You need to have proper patient positioning, there are anatomical landmarks that you will need to know for each view. If you need to, review your Anatomy textbook and Radiology textbook.

  • Do not have any evidence of human exposure in your radiograph. We should not see a radiograph of your hand in the film.

  • Your radiographs have to be of diagnostic quality. Make sure you are familiar with the machine settings.

  • If using FILM:

    • Each radiograph must include permanent label that was applied prior to processing, it must contain all of the required information needed for identification and interpretation of the radiograph.

    • You need to use the appropriate lead positioning markers. They should not be blocking any of the diagnostic information on the radiograph, be aware of the location of their placement.

    • Use the appropriate sized cassette for your patient and area of interest

    • Please submit a clear photo of your radiographs. Ensure that all identification markers are visible in your image. Do not alter the image in any way before submitting it.

• Photograph of student properly using calipers to measure small animal patients

  • You need to be wearing proper PPE for a radiograph in your photo

• Student description of the image filing, storage, and retrieval procedures in the clinic.

• Remember that the radiograph is a part of the patient's medical record, correct filing procedures ensures successful future retrieval

• Your description needs to discuss but is not limited to the following areas:

  • What the film is stored in

  • The filing system for radiographs

    • Information recorded on the envelope

    • How you would file a radiograph

    • How long films are kept for

    • How you would locate a previously taken radiograph