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Knobology:
kVp Selector: kVp stands for kilovolt peak/kilovolt potential. It affects the following:
choose so that there is sufficient 4 penetration, but not so great as to over-penetrate. Over-Penetration will not
allow the differences or contrast to be depicted.
mA Selector: mA stands for milliampere: This is the measure of the number of electrons flowing in the x-ray
tube.
The number of x-rays reaching the film determines the degree of blackening of the film.
Exposure Timer: Controls the Duration of electron flow being subjected to the voltage differential.
mAs Selector: mA stands for milliampere-seconds It is the multiplication of mA x seconds = mAs.
This combines the functions of the mA selector and the exposure timer.
needed to establish the degree of blackening so a relatively low mAs is used. A short exposure time is essential in
the thoracic region to stop the blur of respiration motion.
The abdomen is more like the thorax than the skeletal regions when it comes to choosing your exposure factors.
There are three major tissue types in the abdomen, soft tissue, fat and gas. However the individual organs vary
significantly in thickness. A medium kVp (70-90) is desirable coupled with relatively low mAs. Although
respiratory motion is not as great of a problem, it is still best to keep the exposure time as short as possible.
Preferred Relative Exposures:
used. Collimators are available either as various diameter exchangeable cones or as an adjustable permanent
attachment to the x-ray tube housing the cone type collimators must be removed and exchanged with a different
diameter to achieve a change in x-ray field size. The adjustable collimators typically have dials or slider controls
that allow you to change the field size. The adjustable collimator also usually has a light associated with it that
shows the field size on the patient. The light field type collimator greatly improves the ability to accurately
position the x-ray beam to the area of interest on the patient.
Use of a Grid or No Grid: A Grid is a plate that consists of parallel spaced bars of lead. Lead is a very effective
absorber of x-rays. The interspace material does not appreciably absorb x-rays. The purpose of the grid is to
absorb scattered x-rays between the patient and the film. The scattered x-rays are created within the patient by an
x-ray tissue interaction that results in the conversion of the incoming x-ray to an electron and a "new" x-ray with
somewhat less energy moving in a new direction. In essence the x-ray is deflected off its original straight-line
course. If this redirected "New" x-ray successfully exits the patient it delivers exposure to the film that is untrue
relative to the anatomical structure from which it originated. A fundamental assumption in the formation of the xray image is that the x-rays travel in straight lines from the origin in the x-ray tube through the patient to the film.
Most grids are focused grids. This means that the lead bars are angled in the same plane as the x-rays coming
from the tube. The grid is placed between the patient and the film. Most often in small animal systems the grid is
incorporated into the table positioned just above the film tray. Grids can also be purchased that are laid on top of
or independently affixed to the cassette. Grids are quite effective in removing the scattered x-rays from the image.
Removal of the scattered x-rays improves the contrast in the image. Grids are generally used for area thickness
greater than 10 cm. However, if you decide to use a grid for the area in question it may be easier to use it for all
thicknesses rather than to have to remember to activate it or deactivate it.
from the one that came the closest to what you want the image to look like. If you must repeat a second set of trial
exposures you could modify any of the exposure factors, however it is preferable to alter the mA or exposure
time.
Once you have found the optimal or best set of exposure factors for the trial dog'
s lateral abdomen you are ready
to fill in the working chart for other thicknesses. There is a fairly linear relationship between kVp, area thickness,
and response of the film-screen system.
In the range of kVp less than 80 a change of 2 kVp for each cm change in thickness will maintain a quality
image.
Between 80-100 kVp the change is 3 kVp for each cm change in thickness.
For kVp greater than 100 the change must be 4 kVp for every cm change.
This allows you to make a variable kVp chart for the abdomen. You would try this out on the same dog by taking
the VD view. Measure the abdomen, look up the kVp calculated for that thickness on your working chart & try it
out. You would then repeat this process for every body area that you anticipate will need to be looked at
radiographically. Most small animal charts contain factors for Head; Spine; thorax; abdomen; pelvis/hip joints;
shoulder; elbow/stifle/bones distal to elbow & stifle. Most equine charts have different settings for a region and
for a specific view within that region. For example the equine foot requires increased exposure factors to
emphasize the navicular bone versus the thin solar margin of the 3rd phalanx.
As you repeat the trial process for each body region some general guidelines for modifying the general chart are:
Low kVp settings with concurrent high mAs settings give the best contrast for the skeletal regions.
High kVp setting with concurrent low mAs Settings give the best scale of contrast for the thorax and abdomen.
Film blackening is directly proportional to the product of the mA and the exposure time = mAs factor.
Film blackening will also change with a change in kVp. This is best used to change the film blackness by a
small amount. If you need a large change in film blackening you need to change the mAs. This is preferred in that
it retains the contrast scale for the area being evaluated. However a 15% increase in kVp will effectively double
the film blackness (would have the same effect as doubling the mAs). Controversially a 15% decrease in kVp will
effectively half the film blackness (would have the same effect as halving the mAs) these latter two changes have
then most profound effect between 70-90 kVp.
Any technique chart when first developed is a working chart. You may find that you need to make minor
adjustments as you use it for the first several weeks. However, it then should become quite reliable. It is also good
practice to record the exposure factors used for each patient. Then if a re-check of that region is needed, you can
use the same exposure factors and be more likely to detect true change in the patient. We find it easiest to record
the area, exposure factors, film-screen type on the outside of the patients radiographic film filing envelope.