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304 Tasks for the Veterinary Assistant

Cassette Selection press down to expose the information card onto the
film. Then process the film as usual.
Directional labeling is very important for the veteri-
Cassettes come in three sizes and selection is based on narian to diagnosis an injury or condition. A lead R for
size of animal and area that is to be radiographed. The right or a lead L for left (Figure 16.5 D) is placed on the
standard sizes of cassettes are: 8 × 10, 10 × 12, and 14 × 17 cassette adjacent to the corresponding side of the body
inches. Selection is based on making sure the requested part being radiographed. For example, if a right limb is
body part is on the film with at least an inch above and being radiographed, the R marker is placed on the right
below the body part. For example, if the radius and ulna side of the limb. If radiographing the abdomen indicate
are to be X‐rayed, the joint above (elbow) and the joint which side is right or left, or if the patient is recumbent
below (carpus) should be included on the film, this indicate which side is closest to the film.
ensures the entire radius and ulna are visible. Check The Mitchell marker is a gravitational marker used
your reference book for exact placement of the animal for standing radiographs. A time marker is used to indi-
on the cassette.
cate the time since contrast media was administered to a
patient.
The markers are usually placed after the patient is
Film Labeling positioned to ensure it will not be obscured or it will not
obscure the patient. Be certain the markers are placed
Film labeling is very important because radiographs are within the beam, especially if the beam is calibrated to
part of a patient’s medical record; as such they are legal reduce scatter radiation. Once the film is developed,
documents. Because of this they must be accurately and examine the film to confirm that all the required
permanently marked. Basic information required on information is visible.
each radiograph includes the following: Put labeling equipment away. If using the small lead

1. Patient/owner’s names and/or the medical record letters, remove them from the holder and place them
number back into the proper slots so they can be quickly found
2. Hospital name this is often on prestamped plates or for the next label. Remove the X‐rite tape from the
on “flash” marker tags blocker holder, throw the tape away and store the holder
3. Date the radiograph is exposed for the next time. Return the directional marker and/or
4. Radiograph number – if used the study markers to their storage place. Make certain
5. Directional information – left or right – these are there is an adequate supply of blank patient information
lead letters cards if a flasher block is used. Have a master blank
6. Scout shots and time – for contrast studies. patient information card copy hidden so that it isn’t used
or in a page protector marked original so more copies
There are three ways to permanently include the can be made.
patient information on a radiograph and four other
markers that are used to indicate direction and time
(Figure 16.5). One type of marker is a holder that
allows lead letters and numbers to be slid into a tract Learning Exercise
(Figure 16.5 A). The holders usually have the clinic’s
name embossed on them so that information doesn’t Utilizing the marking devices at your program
have to be written each time. A second type is an X‐ray or clinic, make a label for this patient: Rubi
label tape (Figure 16.5 B). This consists of a strip of Sonsthagen, today’s date, VD/Lat of thorax.
paper that has a graphite bar centered across the strip
with adhesive on the back. The information is written
on the graphite portion, the back is peeled off to
expose the adhesive and then placed on a holder Taking a Radiograph
blocker. The holder blocker comes in different thick-
nesses for tabletop or grid radiographs, most are A minimum of two radiographs for each body structure
marked on the back as to when to use for either tech- are taken, usually at right angles to each other. Patient
nique. A third type is a flash marker or flash blocker positioning is determined by using a reference text or
(Figure 16.5 C). Newer cassettes have a lead blocker wall chart providing descriptions of various veterinary
shield in one corner preventing exposure of that area. patient positioning or the experience of a veterinary
Patient data is written on a card in ink and placed on technician. Such a reference is customarily kept near the
the flasher plate of the labeler in the darkroom. With radiology log binder in the radiology area. Any of the
the lights, off remove the film from the cassette and following references are highly recommended: Douglas
place the unexposed corner of the film in the labeler, et al. (1987); Morgan (1993); Lavin (2006).