The objective of this project was to develop our technique chart based on the phantom we used for practice and to understand how proportional anatomy can be referenced to approximate accurate technical factors.

Radiologic technologists need to have a range of technical factors to set for X-rays due to the following reasons:

1. Patient Variability: Different patients have varying body compositions, sizes, and medical conditions, requiring adjustments in technical factors to obtain optimal images.

2. Image Quality: Properly adjusted technical factors ensure high-quality images that depict the anatomical structures, which is crucial for accurate diagnosis.

3. Radiation Dose Management: Tailoring the technical factors to each patient helps minimize radiation exposure, adhering to the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle and enhancing patient safety.

4. Diagnostic Accuracy: A range of technical factors allows technologists to accommodate different imaging scenarios, leading to more precise and reliable diagnostic outcomes.

5. Versatility and Adaptability: Radiologic technologists often encounter a wide variety of imaging situations. Having a comprehensive understanding of technical factors enables them to adapt to diverse clinical settings and patient needs efficiently.

6. Professional Expertise: Mastery of a range of technical factors reflects a technologist's expertise and commitment to delivering high-quality patient care, reinforcing their role as a crucial member of the healthcare team.

We worked diligently to develop an accurate technique chart for the phantom we used, based on the anatomical parts we were assigned. Understanding our time constraints, we took the necessary time to avoid rushing and making avoidable errors. It was crucial to maintain constant variables throughout this project, such as phantom positioning, centering, and collimation, while varying only the technique factors. This approach provided a more accurate assessment of the technical factors needed.

We maximized the use of class time and, came in early or stayed late to stay on task and work efficiently. Over the weeks, we focused on approximately five anatomical parts each day in class, including the transitional body parts, based on the proportional anatomy technique chart.

After considering multiple approaches, we chose the following method as it aligned best with our assigned anatomical parts:

1. AP Knee: We started by achieving a DI (Deviation Index) as close to 0 as possible. Since the ankle technique is half that of the AP knee, this guided our technique for the ankle.

2. AP Ankle: The technique for AP ankle was equivalent in part thickness to the lateral ankle, but we accounted for the entire foot, especially in AP ankle projections. The ankle itself is nearly three times smaller, requiring careful adjustment to avoid incorrect techniques.

3. AP Shoulder: We referenced the knee, as the shoulder required knee technique plus 8 kVp.

4. PA Chest: To transition to AP Oblique ribs, we determined an appropriate technique for the PA chest first, noting that a gridded PA chest requires the same mAs as the shoulder.

5. Lateral Chest: We moved from the ribs to the lateral chest, with the mAs being 3 to 4 times that of the PA chest.

6. PA Axial Clavicle: Referencing the shoulder, as the shoulder, clavicle, and scapula required similar techniques.

7. AP Foot: Using the ankle as a reference, the foot technique is typically half that of the AP ankle, generally 8 kVp lower.

8. PA Hand: The foot and hand are similar in technique requirements.

9. Femur: We used the shoulder as a reference since they are approximately equal.

10. AP Abdomen: The femur technique was two-thirds that of the AP abdomen. This projection served as a transitional step to the AP hip.

11. AP Hip: The AP hip and AP abdomen required approximately the same mAs.

12. PA Caldwell: Referencing the abdomen, as the PA Caldwell technique was two-thirds that of the abdomen.

13. AP L-Spine: Similar to the AP abdomen and AP hip.

This systematic approach, referencing specific anatomical points and adjusting technique factors accordingly, ensured precise and reliable imaging outcomes.

Methods used to determine technical factors for each body part

1. Utilizing the 15% rule 

2. Increasing mAs by 30-50% when decreasing FOV 

3. Ensuring our kVp factors are within range referencing Bontrager textbook

Materials:

1. Lead Markers 

2. Image receptor 

3. Full body phantom 

4. Sponges/ Calipers 

5. X-ray tube/ console 

The tasks to be completed for this project included defining the project scope, conducting the experimentation, and documenting and presenting our findings.

For the experimentation phase, we established a clear process:

- Priyen operated the computer system.

- Jesse recorded all observations.

- Alanis performed the calculations between projections to determine the most appropriate technical factors.

We collectively ensured proper alignment, centering, and collimation of the body part, cross-checking each other's work for accuracy. The only variable in this experiment must be the adjustment of technical factors, necessitating precise and consistent positioning each time.

During the experimentation phase, Jesse also managed the documentation, which we all contributed to, using the observations recorded. Additionally, Alanis was responsible for creating the website for our final product, with collaborative input from the entire team.

To ensure the success of our experiment, we reviewed the document outlining proportional anatomy techniques and performed any necessary calculations. We recorded the Deviation Index (DI) value for each image and ensured it was within the acceptable range of +/- 0.5. Consulting the kVp ranges in Bontrager for the specific anatomical parts was also beneficial.

The exposure indicator, specifically the DI value, is crucial as it reflects the accuracy of the exposure relative to the optimal level. Maintaining a DI value within the specified range ensures that images are neither underexposed nor overexposed, which is essential for diagnostic quality and patient safety.

The 15% rule can be applied to improve the DI value. This rule states that increasing the kVp by 15% and reducing the mAs by half will maintain the same image density. By applying this rule, we can make fine adjustments to the exposure parameters, thereby optimizing the DI value and enhancing the overall quality of the radiographic images.

This structured approach will ensure thorough and accurate results for our project.

To complete this project, we required access to the imaging lab, ensuring consistent use of the same lab room and unit for each session. We also needed to utilize the same phantom consistently. As mentioned above, it was essential to reference kVp ranges from Bontrager as needed.

We required various positioning aids, including but not limited to sponges, calipers, and sheets. Additionally, we needed to consult other projects for examples of methodology and refer to relevant websites to guide the creation and presentation of our final product.