Outcomes:

After completing this class, students should be able to:

• Describe the components of various types of x-ray film, and identify specific components applicable to radiation therapy departments.
• Identify the components of intensifying screens, describe their function, and predict the response of a screen to varying amounts and energies of radiation.
• Compare and contrast system speeds relation to quantities of radiation used and resolution produced.
• Identify the components of an automatic processor, describe the components role in image production, and identify common trouble shooting procedures.
• Define radiographic and optical density, and predict the effect on them of changes in radiation amounts and energies.
• Define radiographic contrast, identify the factors affecting it, and predict the changes produced by varying amounts and energies of radiation used.
• Define resolution, identify the factors affecting it, and predict the effect of varying those factors.
• Describe the components of the x-ray tube, and describe the production of x-rays at the target.
• List the properties of ionizing x-radiation.
• Compare and contrast those properties to those of particulate radiation.
• Describe the interaction of diagnostic x-rays and matter.
• Describe the construciton of a grid, identify its purpose, its proper use, and the effects produced when improperly used.