Radiographic images are permanently labelled at the time of exposure to indicate patient orientation and uniquely identify the MRT performing the procedure
Marking images at the time of exposure
- Markers in radiography provide important information to those viewing the image:
- Patient identifiers
- Marker of right/left side
- Other aspects of orientation (supine, prone, etc.)
- Unique MRT identifier
- Markers placed at the time of exposure become a permanent part of the image, which is important for1:
- Reducing the chance of error (e.g., wrong side identified)2
- Reliable transmission to PACS
- Confidence in future consultation/ investigation
- Digital markers (annotation) is not a suitable substitute for image marking at time of exposure.3
Important considerations
- Markers may be important if the examination is to be used in a court case.3
- Images that include personal identification markers allow the possibility of MRT testimony and may lend credibility to his or her expertise1
- Digital right and left markers may not be admissible in legal proceedings, since they are not permanent markers1:
- Images may be marked anywhere
- Images may be flipped
- Image layout can be altered
Additional annotation
- Additional annotation can be used to provide further appropriate/relevant information.
- Annotation is not a replacement for markers
- This information can complement the markers present, identify issues, and aid in the interpretation of the image
- These additional notes may be added at the time of exposure or in post processing
References
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Carter CE, Veale BL. Digital Radiography and PACS. 2nd ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby Elsevier; 2013.
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Herrmann TL, Fauber TL, Gill J, et al. Best practices in digital radiography. ASRT White Paper. Available from: http://www.asrt.org/docs/whitepapers/asrt12_bstpracdigradwhp_final.pdf. [Accessed 22 Feb 2013]
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Long BW, Hall Rollins J, Smith BJ. Merrill’s Atlas of Radiographic Positioning & Procedures. 13th ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. 2016.