Steps on How to Take an X-ray

The audience of our instructions is directed towards undergraduate students going into clinicals. The purpose of these instructions is to inform students on how to prepare the room/equipment, communicate with the patient, position the patient, take images, and outline their responsibilities after taking the images. This is important since many students have no prior knowledge or understanding of how to perform these tasks or what a radiologic technician does before starting clinicals. This is beneficial before clinicals, since they can get familiar with how to communicate with patients in a professional way and not go into it so blindly. These instructions are specifically designed for students who have no prior knowledge of a radiologic technician’s responsibilities, as there is more to it than just taking X-rays. Radiologic technologists are known as the eyes of medicine and are healthcare professionals who operate specialized equipment to create medical images of the inside of the body, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. These images help doctors diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries by allowing them to see bones, tissues, and organs.

1. X-ray Generator
2. X-ray Tube
3. Collimater
4. Image Receptor (Digital Detector and Film-Screen System)
5. Anti-Scatter Grid
6. Patient Positioning Devices
7. Protective Gear
8. Patient Gown

1. Before the procedure starts, a radiology referral is sent to the imaging department from the doctor, and from there, the radiographer should do the following.
2. Before the day of the procedure, the radiographer should review the patient's information and take note of the patient's name, date of birth, and any possible clinical information or history provided by the physician.
3. The radiographer should also understand the reason for the X-ray and what specific body parts will be examined, as well as checking that the patient has no possible allergies that might interfere with the examination.
4. The radiographer should also verify whether the patient is fasting for the exam and if the examination requires any types of contrast media or has specific instructions.
5. It’s suggested that radiographers review the schedule once more on the day they come in to work to become aware of any changes made. This is an important step to take because it’s so common for patients to be scheduled last minute. This is due to hospitals running for 24 hours. Even though your shift hasn’t started, the shift before you most likely had new patients needing imaging procedures done. Which means you basically pick off where the last radiographer left off. This is why radiographers need to be aware of these changes to prepare the room accordingly.

1. After a radiographer reviews the schedule, they make their way to the imaging department to prepare for their shift.
2. Before coming in contact with any patients, they need to make sure the room is clean and organized. This primarily includes cleaning the x-ray table, changing the pillowcases, and properly examining all the needed equipment to make sure it is operating properly.
3. They also need to make sure the equipment is properly calibrated while following safety standards. Maintaining a clean environment contributes to patient safety by reducing the risk of infection for patients undergoing imaging procedures.

1. To properly position a patient for an X-ray, it is important to understand both posterior-anterior and lateral positions. They are defined as directional terms used in anatomy and certain healthcare positions to describe the location of different body parts from the front, back, and sides.
2. Anterior refers to the front of the body, posterior refers to the back of the body, lateral refers to the side of the body away from the midline, and the opposite of lateral refers to the side of the body towards the midline.
3. In the standard posterior-anterior (front and back) position, the radiologic technologist should have the patient stand or sit up as upright as possible with their chest up against the image receptor. In the standard posterior-anterior position, the radiologic technologist should have the patient stand or sit up as upright as possible with their chest up against the image receptor.
4. Their hands should be placed on their hips with their palms facing outward
5. The shoulders should be rolled forward and down to move the shoulder blades away from the lungs.
6. The chin should be faced slightly up in order for it to be excluded from the image. It is also very important to take a big, deep breath in and hold it while the image is being taken in order for the exposure to fully expand in the lungs.
7. In the lateral (from the side) position, the image will be taken from the side, and the patient should stand with the left side of the chest against the image receptor to keep the heart close to it.
8. The arms should be placed crossed over the head, and the chin should be placed slightly upward in order to limit exposure in the image.
9. The patient should also take a deep breath as well for the exposure to fully expand the lungs.

1. Once that patient is positioned, the imaging procedure is typically quick, easy, and painless. The technician will then review the images to ensure the quality is good enough for the radiologist to diagnose. The radiologic technologist should follow the ABCDE method.
2. Airways - Look into the trachea and bronchi for anything blocking the patient from breathing properly.
3. Breathing - The lungs will be examined for any possible signs of disease.
4. Cardiac - Both the size and borders of the heart should be evaluated, along with the outline of the chest cavity.
5. Diaphragm - The shape and angles of the diaphragm should be inspected
6. Everything else- The radiologic technologist should also review the bones and tissues and should look for any implanted devices throughout the body
7. After reviewing the images, ensure the quality is clear enough to be sent to the doctor.

To properly document a chest x-ray, the radiologic technologist should do the following.

1. Record the patient's information, including name, date of birth, etc.
2. Include the date and time the image was performed, the views that were taken, and any other specific information that would be helpful to the radiologist
3. The reason for the exam and the information provided by the person who ordered the image
4. The patient's symptoms and reason for the examination
5. All relevant findings, including, the materials used for the exam, the limitations of the exam, and any possible complications
6. Any follow-up imaging tests, and when to follow up with the patient
7. A signature and authorization

Now, what does a radiographer do after taking images and wrapping up their shift?

1. Log Procedures
2. Document the imaging procedures performed and any changes to the schedule.
3. Review Images
4. Check the quality of the images taken to ensure they are clear for interpretation and meet the standards.
5. Patient Records
6. Verify that all patient records are complete and accurate.
7. Equipment Maintenance
8. Clean and maintain the imaging equipment to ensure it is ready for future use.
9. Administrative Tasks
10. Handle any additional administrative tasks that may come up, such as scheduling or clerical support.

Clerical Support Definition: Administrative tasks that help maintain the smooth operation of the healthcare setting.

1. These include scheduling patients, maintaining patient records, supporting your coworkers with preparing examination rooms, assisting with patient procedures, etc.

Clerical support is important to ensure efficient patient care in a radiology setting.