X-ray Markers

by admin on July 02, 2020
X-Ray MarkersWhether it’s a dentist's office, a veterinarian clinic, a hospital, or a chiropractic facility, professional radiological technicians are required to use x-ray markers to complete their x-ray diagnostic procedures. These technicians are trained on how to use these tools during their schooling, and knowledge of how to properly use them in their respective fields is expected. X-ray markers are also often referred to as:
  • Radiologic film identification markers
  • Pb markers
  • Lead markers
  • X-ray lead markers
  • Anatomical side markers
The reason for these devices is to allow rad techs and other professionals to indicate important information on their x-rays, such as specifying the left and right side of the body, the position of the body at the time of the x-ray, the name of the patient, date and time of the taking of the x-ray, and the radiographer’s initials, among other things. Using Kemper Medical x-ray markers is a crucial factor in completing x-ray diagnostics, and should be utilized any time x-rays are taken for a medical procedure. We provide a wide range of x-ray markers, all of which are manufactured by leading medical supply companies that have maintained a good reputation through their high quality products. Kemper Medical is proud to assist doctors, surgeons, and technicians of all kinds with high quality x-ray markers, and we offer them at prices that are affordable.

The Medical Importance of X-ray Markers

X-Ray MarkersX-ray markers are a crucial aspect of the radiological diagnostic process, and rad techs should have all been trained on their proper use. They should know to position their markers within the main beam of the radiographs, for example, and have a rudimentary understanding of how to indicate certain key details such as the left and right side of the body part being x-rayed. In fact, the distinction between the right and left side of the body is the main reason for x-ray markers, as failing to indicate this could mean a severe misdiagnosis. Some conditions in which a left/right indication is crucial include:
  • Dextrocardia: A congenital condition where the heart is situated in the right side of the chest instead of the left.
  • Situs Inversus: This condition results in all of the bodily organs being situated in the opposite side of the body.
A misdiagnosis of either of these conditions can have disastrous effects, however, there is a wide range of other more subtle medical conditions in which the right and left sides of the body must be clearly indicated as well. In practically every medical facility, x-ray markers are a non-negotiable requirement. No matter how arbitrary it may seem for some medical issues, all x-rays need to be clearly marked with a left/right indication to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

The Legal Importance of X-ray Markers

X-Ray MarkersBeyond their various medical purposes, x-ray markers are also an important factor for legal reasons. Rad techs should always use these devices in their x-ray diagnostics, as not doing so would void their function as legal documents in case a medical facility is ever to be sued. Before an x-ray can be officially considered a legal document, radiation must pass through the x-ray marker so as to make it visible and readable on the x-ray image, clearly distinguishing the left side of the body from the right. A rad tech’s initials may be required on the x-ray image, depending on the medical facility. This may require rad techs to possess their own x-ray lead markers that include their initials.

Different Kinds of X-ray Markers

  • Standard Left/Right X-ray Markers: The proper indication of the left and right sides of the patient is crucial for medical and legal reasons when it comes to x-ray diagnostics, and it is for this reason that all medical facilities should at least have the standard x-ray markers. These markers come in a set that includes color coded left and right markers. The right markers are red and the left markers are blue, which makes identifying left and right very easy.
  • Informative X-ray Markers: These markers give rad techs the ability to easily record information such as the patient’s name, the procedure, the date and time, time elapsed, and measurement standards. These markers allow for more information recording beyond the mere left/right mark.
  • Positioning X-ray Markers: Some treatments require information regarding positioning at the time the x-ray was taken. These markers allow rad techs to indicate the position of the patient, such as whether they were supine or erect, or whether or not the x-ray was taken at the time the patient’s body part was weight bearing. Some standard left/right x-ray markers feature a bubble compartment which holds three lead balls. These balls are used to indicate the position in which the x-ray was taken without the use of separate positioning x-ray markers.
  • Mammography X-ray Markers: With these markers, you will get a standardized set of abbreviations created by American College of Radiology (ACR). These markers will include degree markers, R/L/M designations, and base abbreviations on separate markers. Due to the range of the markers in these particular sets, rad techs are able to label and identify a wide variety of mammographic images through various imprints.
  • Skin Markers: With these markers, rad techs can highlight specific skin areas for more detailed diagnostics. These areas include semi-translucent markers, bb markers, lead wire markers, and scar tissue wire.
  • Sun-Dial X-ray Markers: These x-ray monitors feature a rotating centerpiece that can designate information around the marker’s face. Rad techs can also use this x-ray marker to record the amount of time that’s passed since the initial injury, or since the admittance of the patient for medical care. Time frames of a quarter of an hour to 48 hours can be indicated by turning the center dial. This x-ray marker allows rad techs to easily record a range of information on their x-rays.

Further Advances In X-ray Marker Technology

Your x-ray markers may be in need of an update, as a lot of innovation has occured in recent years, including:
  • Copper Backing: X-ray markers that feature copper filtering tend to be used with higher KV settings.
  • Wafer Thin Markers: These are great x-ray markers to use with newer digital equipment, and have a very easy bucky clearance.
  • Clip Markers: These make attaching a marker to a cassette very easy.
  • Classic Elite Markers: The technology involved with this industry standard has advanced to meet modern imaging procedures.
If you need advanced x-ray markers at affordable prices, Kemper Medical provides them. We are a worldwide distributor of top of the line medical products that are essential to modern radiation specialists.
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