Digital Radiography of the Abdomen

Course overview

The goal of this course is to cover digital radiography (DR) of the abdomen comprehensively. This course will begin by reviewing the anatomy and physiology of the abdomen, topographical bony landmarks used for positioning, body planes, body habitus, abdominal quadrants, and clinical considerations related to disease process and pathology. Next, patient preparation, radiation protection, breathing instructions, and marker placement will be discussed. DR (computed radiography and DR systems), image capture, technical factors, patient and abdomen positioning, central ray placement, tube-part-image receptor alignment, and digital image evaluation criteria for all types of abdomen positions and projections, including AP supine and erect, PA supine, lateral decubitus, acute abdominal series, lateral, and dorsal decubitus. This course will conclude with a review of DR of the abdomen/chest for nasogastric tube placement. Written and video-based educational components are included throughout.