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

lead Lead () is a chemical element; it has Chemical symbol, symbol Pb (from Latin ) and atomic number 82. It is a Heavy metal (elements), heavy metal that is density, denser than most common materials. Lead is Mohs scale, soft and Ductility, malleabl ...

markers,

x-ray An X-ray (also known in many languages as Röntgen radiation) is a form of high-energy electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength shorter than those of ultraviolet rays and longer than those of gamma rays. Roughly, X-rays have a wavelength ran ...

lead markers, or radiographic film identification markers, are used to mark x-ray films, both in

hospital A hospital is a healthcare institution providing patient treatment with specialized Medical Science, health science and auxiliary healthcare staff and medical equipment. The best-known type of hospital is the general hospital, which typically ...

s and in industrial workplaces (such as on

aeroplane An airplane (American English), or aeroplane (Commonwealth English), informally plane, is a fixed-wing aircraft that is propelled forward by thrust from a jet engine, Propeller (aircraft), propeller, or rocket engine. Airplanes come in a vari ...

parts and motors). 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. 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-imaging-stub

Common markers

See also

References