Entry #7: Recording, Storing, and Displaying Images

     Even though we have the capability of viewing the functions and processes of the body in real time when performing a fluoroscopic exam, no human has perfect photographic memory. Still images and some short dynamic films are needed to review later. Thankfully, fluoro systems come equipped with ways to create, display, and store these images and films.

     Spot films can be taken during an exam to capture images of any abnormalities or anatomy of special interest. These important, static images can be captured on cassettes, 70-mm roll film, or 105-mm chip film. There are a few disadvantages to using spot-film cassettes, however. They require a higher mA, more tube use, higher dose to the patient, long exposures and require manual reloading of cassettes. 70-mm roll and 105-mm chip films are cheaper than cassettes and take up less space to store while allowing them to have higher frame rates which produce better quality recordings. These films also allow less interruption in the examination process.

     On modern fluoroscopy units, like the C-arm, there are functions that allow you to capture a still image of the current procedure and display it beside the active fluoro video on the display monitor tower. These captured images can also be stored and sent to PACs for later review.