Control Panel

The control panel is where the x-ray operator chooses the settings (technique factors) for a given exam.  Do not be worried if you don't know what some of these settings mean yet.  We will go over it lightly in this section, and into much greater detail in the 2 Principles of Exposure sections.  The selectors you may find on your system may include:

  1. kVp selector - First white box - Controls the energy of the x-ray.
  2. mA selector -Third white box - Controls the number of x-rays being produced.
  3. Time selector - Fourth white box.  Time in this instance is in milliseconds, or ms. Controls the duration of the x-ray exposure.
  4. mAs selector (ma x time) - Second white box - Controls the amount of x-rays being produced.
  5. Image Receptor type - First gray box on top left - The part that accepts the image (film cassette, digital detector)
  6. Focal spot size selector
  7. AEC/Manual technique selector
  8. Density selector
  9. Patient Size selector
  10. Film speed selector - Can be used if you are still developing film.

 control panel

This is just one example of many types of control panels.  This one is touch screen controlled.  Control panels may have preprogramed techniques installed in them that are designed for specific exams.  You select the exam you want and the technique will be automatically selected.  For those without this luxury, a technique chart will need to be utilized. You would need to measure the body part using calipers.  From there you can look up the kVp and mAs required for the exam.