Learning objectives
Revalidating the importance of anatomical side markers and annotations on radiographic images,
particularly the chest Radiographs
Background
Despite the rapid advances technology in Radiology,
plain radiographs still remain the first and foremost imaging modality used for evaluation
The use of anatomical side markers is of paramount importance while imaging a patient and should be placed during the exposure and not electronically during the post processing. Inappropriate use of the side markers has several implications including medico-legal.
Radiographic images must not show ambiguous side markers,
after a brief audit and several local meetings we revalidated the importance of anatomical side markers and annotations...
Findings and procedure details
Anatomical side markers are essential procedure for all plain radiographs for identification of the correct anatomical side and prevent clinical and radiological confusion,
medico-legal issues.
All radiographs should be exposed with appropriate clip on side markers.
They should be appropriately placed so that they do not obscure anatomy.
Ideally,
the side markers are placed on the left side above the left shoulder.{ Fig 18} If this is anticipated to cause problems,
the side marker can be placed below the level of the left axilla.{ Fig...
Conclusion
Accurate placement of anatomical side markers and labeling is paramount and every department should develop standard local guidelines.
Standard and best Practice is ---
CORRECT PATIENT
CORRECT SIDE MARKER/ANNOTATION
CORRECT PROCEDURE
Regular audits,
reject analysis should be conducted to ensure the best practice of appropriate placement of side markers is maintained
Personal information
Claudia Thomas
Radiographer,
Midland Regional Hospital,
Portlaoise,
Ireland
Huma Khosa
Consultant Radiologist,
Midland Regional Hospital,
Portlaoise,
Ireland
Nagabathula Ramesh
Consultant Radiologist,
Midland Regional Hospital,
Portlaoise,
Ireland
References
1.
Radiographer use of anatomical side markers and the latent conditions affecting their use in practice; Titley AG,
Cosson P: DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2013.10.004
2.
Radiation field preference for Radiographic anatomical markers by Radiographers in an University Teaching hospital in Nigeria: Adejoh T et al.
Open Journal of Radiology,
2014,
4,
275-278
Published Online September 2014 in SciRes http://www.scirp.org/journal/ojrad/http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/ojrad.2014.43036
3.
Plain-Radiographic Image Labeling: A Process to Improve Clinical Outcomes.
Aakre,
K.T.
and Johnson,
C.D.
(2006) Journal of American College of Radiologists,
3,
949-953.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jacr.2006.07.005