IMAGING EQUIPMENT AND RADIATION PRODUCTION
Class details...
This course introduces the principles of radiographic equipment operation and the production of radiation. Students will study the structure and function of the X-ray tube, control console, and digital imaging systems, as well as the physical processes that produce X-ray radiation. Emphasis is placed on understanding exposure factors (kVp, mA, time, SID), radiation interactions with matter, and the safe use of imaging equipment.
Class Modules...
1. Introduction to Radiographic Equipment
- Overview of diagnostic imaging equipment
- Role of limited radiology technologists in equipment use
- Equipment safety checks and responsibilities
2. X-ray Tube and Components
- Structure and function: cathode, anode, glass envelope
- Filament, focal spot, and target interactions
- Heat production and tube cooling mechanisms
- Tube housing and protective features
3. Control Console & Exposure Factors
- Functions of kVp, mA, exposure time, and mAs
- Relationship between exposure factors and image quality
- Distance (SID) and the inverse square law
- Technique charts for limited exams
4. Radiation Physics Basics
- Nature and properties of x-rays
- Types of radiation: primary, secondary, scatter, leakage
- X-ray beam characteristics: quality, quantity, intensity
- Bremsstrahlung and characteristic radiation production
5. Radiation Interactions with Matter
- Photoelectric effect and Compton scatter (diagnostic relevance)
- Attenuation and its role in image formation
- Factors affecting patient dose
6. Imaging Receptors & Processing Systems
- Film-screen systems (overview)
- Computed radiography (CR) basics
- Digital radiography (DR) and detectors
- PACS and digital image storage systems
7. Equipment Operation and Maintenance
- Proper warm-up and operation of x-ray equipment
- Equipment quality control basics (limited awareness)
- Recognizing and reporting equipment malfunctions
8. Application to Limited-Scope Imaging
- Equipment setup for chest, extremity, and spine exams
- Selecting exposure factors for diagnostic quality and dose reduction
- Common errors in equipment use and how to avoid them
9. Integration and Image Quality Connection
- Linking equipment factors to image production and evaluation
- Case-based review of exposure errors (over/underexposure, scatter, artifacts)
- Professional responsibility in safe equipment operation
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Describe the function and operation of basic radiographic equipment.
- Explain how X-rays are produced and how exposure factors influence the beam.
- Safely operate imaging equipment within the limited radiology scope.
- Apply radiation protection measures for both patients and technologists.