X-ray Markers, also known as: anatomical side markers, Pb markers,

lead Lead is a chemical element with the symbol Pb (from the Latin ) and atomic number 82. It is a heavy metal that is denser than most common materials. Lead is soft and malleable, and also has a relatively low melting point. When freshly cu ...

markers,

x-ray An X-ray, or, much less commonly, X-radiation, is a penetrating form of high-energy electromagnetic radiation. Most X-rays have a wavelength ranging from 10 picometers to 10 nanometers, corresponding to frequencies in the range 30&nb ...

lead markers, or radiographic film identification markers, are used to mark x-ray films, both in hospitals and in industrial workplaces (such as on aeroplane parts and

motors An engine or motor is a machine designed to convert one or more forms of energy into mechanical energy. Available energy sources include potential energy (e.g. energy of the Earth's gravitational field as exploited in hydroelectric power g ...

). They are used on radiographic images to determine anatomical side of body, date of the procedure, and may include patients name. Most X-ray markers consist of a right and a left letter with the radiographer's initials. There are also available markers to indicate positioning of the body e.g. supine, or as to time when performing procedures such as an

Intravenous pyelogram Pyelogram (or pyelography or urography) is a form of imaging of the renal pelvis and ureter. Types include: * Intravenous pyelogram – In which a contrast solution is introduced through a vein into the circulatory system. * Retrograde pyelogram ...

. It has been suggested that radiographic markers are a potential

fomite A fomite () or fomes () is any inanimate object that, when contaminated with or exposed to infectious agents (such as pathogenic bacteria, viruses or fungi), can transfer disease to a new host. Transfer of pathogens by fomites A fomite is any ...

for harmful bacteria such as

MRSA Methicillin-resistant ''Staphylococcus aureus'' (MRSA) is a group of Gram-positive bacteria that are genetically distinct from other strains of ''Staphylococcus aureus''. MRSA is responsible for several difficult-to-treat infections in humans. ...

, and that they should be cleaned on a regular basis; this, however, is not always done.Maddison & Tugwell. 2011. Radiographic markers- A reservoir for bacteria? Radiography; vol17 pp115-120

Common markers

* Lead Letters & Numbers are used commonly in radiographs, Benefits of using lead material is that its clear easy to read figures in x-ray and that they will withstand long exposure without fading. *Mammography markers - these are markers used during mammography procedure.

References

Radiography {{med-diagnostic-stub

Common markers

See also

References