Patient orientation

We strive to provide the best quality images possible.  However, patients do not always co-operate due to severe pain, which can make lying still on an imaging table very difficult.  As technologist it is our job to get the best possible images while accommodating the patient. this may mean making adjustments to the department protocol. If a whole body sweep is  part of the protocol, this may mean imaging spot shots instead, or reducing time per image where acceptable.

One alternative to whole body imaging for a patient who can not lie on their back may be to have the patient lie on their stomach or on their side. Patients who are claustrophobic may be able to manage a whole body scan on their stomach better then if they are on their backs. If the patient position must be adjusted for patient comfort make sure the camera orientation is changed accordingly.

The above template is from a Siemens PETCT scanner. The acquisition page provides four boxes to the right of the upright figure, with small images for patient positioning (supine, prone, right side and left side). The last image of the left side position is depressed, therefore the correlating image on the bottom half of the page demonstrates the patient position. Before acquiring the image ensure the patient is in the same orientation.

Above is an example of the topogram from a PET scan patient with a history of lung cancer that had difficulty breathing while lying on her back. By having the patient lie on her side (her choice for comfort) she was able to manage the procedure without difficulty.

Quality imaging does mean patient comfort.