X-RAYS
(sxrays.doc)
Desired Outcome:
To
promptly take quality x-rays the first time and to limit the exposure for the
patient. To efficiently develop,
mount, and place the x-rays on the view box for the doctor to view prior to
the treatment.
Measurement:
Minimal exposures to patients and staff by consistently achieving quality
radiographs. Number of times x-rays need to be retaken.
The doctor examines the patient and usually
orders a BWX and Pano x-ray and/or additional P.A.�s of visual decay or
sensitive teeth. An x-ray of the problem area is taken for emergency
toothaches. If the patient is uncooperative or has a gag reflex, take as many
as possible, at least a Pano. Orthodontic referrals typically are for Pano and
anterior PA�s or FMX (full mouth x-rays): 14 PAs and 4 BWXs, depending on the
size and age of the patient.
Taking X-rays
1.
Question female
patients if there is any suspicion or chance they could be pregnant and place
the lead apron on the patient.
2.
Lay out the necessary
film (usually 2-4 films) based on the size of the mouth.
3.
Select the choice
technique, Bite Wing tabs vs. Rinn Holder and take the appropriate x-ray.
4.
Remove the lead apron
from the patient and escort the patient back to the operatory.
1.
Check the temperature
gauge to ensure it is below 30� and label the appropriate mount.
2.
Shut and lock the
darkroom door and turn off the lights, except for the red light.
3.
BWX, PA�s, and PAN�s
A.
With gloved hands,
pull apart the plastic, lead foil, and black paper and drop out the x-ray
film.
B.
Discard the lead foil
wrappers in the proper OSHA receptacle and the plastic wrappers in the trash.
C.
Remove your gloves and
put the film through the developing machine.
D.
Be sure the x-rays
have entered the machine before opening the door.
4.
Panalipse (pano).
A.
With gloved hands,
release the buttons on the film carrier and remove the panalipse film.
B.
Remove your gloves and
place the film through the developing machine.
C.
Place the new
unexposed panalipse film in the cassette.
D.
Be sure the x-ray has
totally entered the processor before opening the door.
E.
Wipe off the film
carrier and other contaminated areas and place the film carrier back in the
Panalipse.
1.
Periapicals (PA's) and
bitewings (BWX's) and full mouth x-rays (FMX)
A.
Get the appropriate
posterior or anterior mount from the darkroom shelf.
B.
Label the mount with
patient's name, doctor�s name, doctor�s license number, and the date.
C.
Remove the x-ray from
the top of the developer and place it in the mount with the bubble facing out.
2.
Panorex
A.
Type the labeling
information into the x-ray unit computer so that it appears on the film when
processed.
B.
If labeling by hand,
write the information on a white label and place it on the left hand edge of
film.
C.
Trim the x-ray so it
will fit in the patient's chart.
1.
Remove the x-ray from
the mount.
2.
Align the x-ray the
duplication machine.
3.
Push the �view� button
to activate the light.
4.
Close and lock the
darkroom.
5.
Select and trim the
duplication film to size.
6.
Lay the film over the
x-rays with the dark side up.
7.
Push the �duplicate�
switch.
8.
Close the lid and push
the button. (An orange light should appear.)
9.
Remove the films and
run through the processor.
10.
Do not open the door
until the entire film enters the processor. (When you hear a �click�, the
x-ray has gone completely through.)
11.
When the light goes
off, remove the films and return the original to the mount.
Samples from Standard Operating Procedures for
All Dentists
(Contains over 470 pages + software)