AART AND RADIOGRAPHIC EXAM

Basic Principles of Positioning and

Procedures

A. Body part placement

1. Body part should be placed on the image receptor

in a position that allows for imaging of all anatomic

features required for the procedure

2. Allows for tight collimation

B. Alignment: The long axis of the body part should correspond

to the long axis of the image receptor except when

the image receptor must be rotated to fit the entire part

on the image receptor

C. Precise visualization

1. Positioning must be absolutely accurate

2. No rotation of image present

D. Patient identification

1. Identification marker on image receptor should not

obstruct view of relevant anatomy

2. Patient information should include patient’s name

and date of exam

E. Anatomic markers

1. Right or left markers must always appear on the image;

use a radiopaque marker placed on the image receptor

2. Radiopaque markers must be placed just inside the

collimation field and should not obstruct relevant

anatomy

F. Other markers

1. Time: Time indicators should always be used when

images are taken at specifically timed intervals

2. Direction: If the image was taken with the patient in

an erect position, the lead marker indicating erect or

upright must appear on the image

3. Inspiration/expiration: Must be used for comparison

studies of the chest

4. Internal/external: Must be used when both forms of

rotation constitute part of an exam

5. Numeric markers: Must be used when taking a series

of images in sequence (e.g., during trauma or surgical

cases when follow-up is required in a short time)

G. Routines

1. Minimum of two projections per exam except for

certain cases in which a single survey image suffices

(e.g., KUB)

2. A minimum of two projections, 90 degrees from one

another, must always be taken

a. Superimposition of structures may prevent visualization

of some pathologic conditions

b. Lesions or foreign bodies require precise localization

c. Fractures must be seen from two points precisely

90 degrees from each other

d. Minimum of three projections (AP or PA, lateral, and

oblique) required for proper visualization of joints