VETT 2620 - Radiology for Veterinary Technicians-Lecture

Credit Hours: 1.50

Objectives:

1. Define various terms related to radiographs, radiograph developing, and machinery.
2. State the significance of the wavelength of x-rays.
3. Describe how radiographs are generated.
4. List the physical properties of radiographs.
5. List the components of the x-ray machine.
6. Describe the use of those machine components relative to taking a radiograph.

Outcome B: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to identify the fundamentals of film processing and x-ray solutions.

Objectives:

1. List and describe the qualities of a darkroom.
2. List the steps of film processing.
3. List and describe the developer components.
4. Describe the function of the developer, rinse, and fix baths.
5. Compare and contrast manual vs. automatic radiograph development.
6. Describe the methods of recognizing exhausted chemicals.
7. Describe how an automatic processor works.
8. List the maintenance procedures of automatic processors.

Outcome C: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to describe the basics of radiographic techniques, create technique charts and describe the measurement and positioning used to obtain diagnostic radiographs of structures and regions of the body.

Objectives:

1. State the variables that control the quality and quantity of an x-ray beam.
2. Define the roles of milliamperage, kilovoltage, and time in the production of x-rays.
3. State the effect of distance on the intensity of an x-ray beam.
4. List the factors that affect density.
5. List and describe the exposure factors that affect contrast, density, and detail.
6. Describe a grid and its purpose in radiography.
7. State the standard change made to kilovoltage to alter the penetration of x-rays.
8. State the standard change made to milliamperage to alter radiographic density.
9. Describe how to develop a technique chart for each body region.
10. Describe how each body structures and regions are measured in preparation of obtaining radiographs.
11. Describe the common patient positioning methods for obtaining radiographs of body structures and regions.

Outcome D: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to describe the fundamentals of radiation safety.

Objectives:

1. List the tissues most sensitive to radiation-induced damage.
2. State which personnel are prohibited from assisting in radiographic procedures.
3. State the two types of tissue damage that can occur from exposure to radiation.
4. List and define the units of radiation exposure for absorption.
5. Define the maximum permissible dose (MPD); name the organization responsible for setting dose limits; state the MPD for occupationally exposed personnel.
6. List and describe the three types of personal exposure dosimeters.
7. State the three primary methods by which personnel are exposed to radiation during radiography.
8. List the practical methods that personnel can use to reduce personal exposure during radiography.
9. State the proper maintenance protocol for protective apparel.

Outcome E: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to describe the fundamentals of alternative imaging technologies including ultrasound, fluoroscopy, MRI, CT scan and nuclearscintigraphy as they pertain to clinical use.

Objectives:

1. Describe the anatomy of the ultrasound machines.
2. Describe the basic physics behind each of these diagnostic modalities.
3. List clinical uses for each of these diagnostic modalities.

• Communication: The graduate can communicate effectively for the intended purpose and audience.
• Critical Thinking: The graduate can make informed decisions after analyzing information or evidence related to the issue.
• Global Literacy: The graduate can analyze human behavior or experiences through cultural, social, political, or economic perspectives.
• Information Literacy: The graduate can responsibly use information gathered from a variety of formats in order to complete a task.
• Quantitative Reasoning: The graduate can apply quantitative methods or evidence to solve problems or make judgments.
• Scientific Literacy: The graduate can produce or interpret scientific information presented in a variety of formats.

1. X-ray production
2. Darkroom technique; film and cassette preparation
3. Developing and preserving the films
4. Specific x-ray techniques
5. Technique charts
6. Radiation safety
7. Alternative imaging technologies