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302 Tasks for the Veterinary Assistant

2. It facilitates comparison of techniques used on a
The veterinarian has requested VD and L abdominal patient during follow‐up studies.
radiographs. The positioning of the patient for the VD film 3. It serves as a reference when working toward
is on the patient’s back with the front and back legs improved film quality which should be the goal of
extended parallel to each other and beyond the patient’s every team member.
head and rear. The beam is centered directly over the caudal
aspect of the 13th rib. The second film requires the patient The log is maintained in a binder kept within the radi-
to be lying on its right side to provide better visualization of ology area. Entries are made throughout the radiographic
the kidneys when doing abdominal studies. Again, the process. The format is similar to all logs, being composed
beam is centered over the caudal aspect of the 13th rib. of columns and rows. The number of columns will vary
but must provide the legal minimum of information.
AAHA‐approved hospitals will require recording addi-
tional details. The log is used whenever a radiograph is
Learning Exercise taken. No exceptions. It is the practice’s legal means of confirm-
ing radiographs were taken and which personnel were involved.
Add these abbreviations to your master list. Maintenance of the log is a job the assistant can take
on, thus freeing up other personnel to complete other
tasks. The following procedure is followed when making
Radiography Procedure an entry into the X‐ray log.
1. Confirm patient identification, using the patient’s
Although an intimate knowledge of the technicalities of record for accuracy.
X‐ray image creation is not necessary for the assistant, the 2. Start entry with date, X‐ray number, patient/owner
ability to help during these procedures is essential. Taking identification, breed of animal, sex, age, weight,
a radiograph requires a specific sequence followed every anatomic location of the radiographs.
time to ensure a quality image and safety for all involved. 3. Record the body measurements and kV, mA, and
The following is that process in a checklist format. Each seconds settings from the technique chart for each
action is discussed further in the information that follows. radiograph.
Preparation: 4. After the film is developed record film quality,
diagnosis (after the veterinarian determines
1. Turn on automatic processor if using traditional diagnosis), and comments such as whether patient
radiographs (see Developing Radiographs section was anesthetized, who took the radiographs
for these instructions). (initials will do), and factors impacting film quality
2. Enter patient information into the X‐ray log. (for example, patient panting during thoracic
Confirm correct patient positioning and necessary radiographs).
restraint for requested studies. 5. Make certain there are enough empty rows to meet
3. Set out positioning aids if necessary and ready PPE the needs of the day or week in the radiography log.
(see Radiation Safety section) Keep a master copy of a blank log page in the
4. Use calipers to measure the thickness of the binder, under a divider so no one uses it, and make
anatomic site being studied. copies as needed. When there is half a page left on
5. Set the exposure factors on the X‐ray console the active log sheet, make several copies and place
according to the technique chart. them in the log book. Your co‐workers will really
6. Select the size of film cassette to accommodate the appreciate this effort.
size of the animal. 6. If the binder is getting full or to prepare a new binder,
7. Prepare identification and directional markers. label and date the spine of the binder with the date of
8. Assist with patient positioning, exposure, and the first and last entries. This facilitates finding a
developing of the radiograph. particular entry as binders accumulate. They must be
9. Clean up and restock. kept as long as the medical records and any other
legal documents which varies from state to state.
Radiography Log
Measuring the Anatomy
The radiology log serves three purposes: with Calipers

1. It is part of the patient’s legal record and required by
the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) The ability of the X‐ray beam to penetrate tissue is
to meet the standards for AAHA‐ accredited limited, in part, by the thickness of the tissue so accurate
hospitals. measurements must be taken, and the instrument used