Mammographic Equipment: Generators, Tube and Photon Production(1.5 credit hours)
Abstract
This is one unit of a planned mammographic equipment series. Lessons include important generator characteristics and special x-ray tube construction considerations specific to mammography. Learners will be able to describe the impact of electrical voltage ripple, how rectified x-ray generators resolve ripple problems, and how special x-ray tube components and designs are utilized in the mammographic imaging process. Course Approval Expiration/End Date: May 1, 2010 Category A Credits approved by ASRT.
Special thanks to the following colleagues for their critical reviews of this material:
Linnea Hopewell, M.Ed, RT(R)(M)(QM)
Program Director, Central Ohio Technical College
John Stachler, BSRT, Professor of Radiology,
Sinclair Community College
This activity may be available in multiple formats or from different sponsors. The ARRT does not allow CE activities such as internet courses, home study programs or directed readings to be repeated for CE credit in the same or any subsequent biennium.
Author
Denise Moore, MS, RT(R) As a radiographer with over 35 years experience, most of Denise Moore’s professional life has focused on radiologic science education. Currently, she is professor in radiology and serves as the director of the Online Continuing Education Program for Sinclair Community College (Dayton, Ohio). Her teaching experience includes patient care, sectional anatomy, positioning, pathology, and principles of exposure. In addition, Ms. Moore is actively involved at the state and national professional levels. She is past-president and chair of the board of trustees for the Ohio Society of Radiologic Technologists and has served, in multiple capacities, as a member of its board of trustees since 1979. She currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology and has been appointed to many national- and state-level committees. In addition, she has presented at numerous conferences at the local, state and national levels.
Objectives
Describe the importance of rectification of AC to DC electrical power supply and its impact on x-ray production.
Recognize the differences in voltage ripple related to various generators used in x-ray production.
Describe how high frequency generators affect the efficiency of the x-ray production process benefiting mammographic imaging.
Describe unique x-ray tube design considerations as they relate to focal spot size, anode heel effect, beam geometry and spatial resolution.
Recognize the impact of target and filter composition as controllers of x-ray beam intensity and radiation quality.
Resources
Adolina V, Lille S, Willison K. Mammographic Imaging. 2nd edition. Baltimore: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2001
Bushberg J, Seibert J, Leidholdt J, et al. The Essential Physics of Medical Imaging. 2nd edition. Baltimore: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2001.
Bushong S. Radiologic Science for Technologists. 8th edition. St. Louis: Mosby, 2004.
Carlton R, Adler A. Principles of Radiographic Imaging. 4th edition. Albany: Delmar, 2006.
As a radiographer with over 35 years experience, most of Denise Moore’s professional life has focused on radiologic science education. Currently, she is professor in radiology and serves as the director of the Online Continuing Education Program for Sinclair Community College (Dayton, Ohio). Her teaching experience includes patient care, sectional anatomy, positioning, pathology, and principles of exposure. In addition, Ms. Moore is actively involved at the state and national professional levels. She is past-president and chair of the board of trustees for the Ohio Society of Radiologic Technologists and has served, in multiple capacities, as a member of its board of trustees since 1979. She currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology and has been appointed to many national- and state-level committees. In addition, she has presented at numerous conferences at the local, state and national levels.