Radiologic Technology · ARRT

Radiologic Technology: Positioning and Procedures

Standard patient positioning terminology and projection names for common radiographic procedures.

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What does AP projection stand for?
Anteroposterior - beam enters through the anterior surface and exits through the posterior surface
Define PA projection in radiography
Posteroanterior - beam enters through the posterior surface and exits through the anterior surface
What is a lateral projection?
Projection where the beam passes through the body from one side to the other, showing the medial and lateral aspects
Define oblique projection
Projection where the body or body part is rotated so the beam does not pass perpendicular or parallel to the body
What is anatomical position?
Erect body stance with arms at sides, palms facing forward, feet together, and head facing forward
Define supine position
Patient lying on their back with face upward
What is prone position?
Patient lying face down with the anterior surface against the table
Define Trendelenburg position
Patient supine with the head lower than the feet, typically at a 45 degree angle
What is Fowler's position?
Patient semi-recumbent with the head of the table elevated at approximately 45 degrees
Define Sims position
Patient on their left side with the left arm behind the back, right arm flexed forward, right knee flexed, and left knee slightly flexed
What position is used for a standard chest X-ray?
PA (posteroanterior) projection with patient standing erect, hands on hips with palms out
Name the common position for a lateral chest X-ray
Lateral projection with patient standing erect, arm elevated, and side closest to film against the chest board
What is the standard position for a portable chest X-ray?
AP (anteroposterior) projection with patient supine or semi-upright in bed
Define cephalocaudal angulation
Angling the X-ray beam toward the head (cephalad) or toward the feet (caudad)
What is mediolateral angulation?
Angling the X-ray beam from the medial side toward the lateral side or vice versa

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