Sequential arrangement of multiple roentgenograms. A simple method.

Abstract

A radiologist may waste much of his time arranging in sequence multiple roentgenograms of many special procedures before he is able to consider the examination in an orderly fashion. This is particularly true in instances such as cerebral angiography, in which there may be anywhere from 8 to 30 or more separate films. Much time is also wasted in assembling films taken at various times for comparative purposes, and most of this sorting has to be done by someone familiar with the examination. It is difficult to rely on nonprofessional help for this type of activity. Even if the sequential numbers can be easily read, it is nevertheless necessary to put the films up on the view box in some order for proper arrangement. Once this sorting procedure has been accomplished, however, it is possible to mark the films in the following manner so that they can be reassembled in order with ease and convenience. After the films are stacked in the proper sequence and order, the margins of one side are offset by about 1/8 to 1/4 inch. An oblique line (Fig. 1, A) is then drawn through these offset edges with the etherink pencil, sometimes called the “Magic Marker.” Any permanent type of marker may be employed. This in no way interferes with the use of the roentgenogram. More than one such line may be drawn if there is more than one set of films in the series (Fig. 1, B). When it is necessary to reassemble the films in the proper sequence after they have been mixed or disarranged, all that is necessary is that they be stacked so that the oblique marker on each one is face up and, as in the example presented, located on the lower left margin. All the films once again can be offset by holding them firmly in both hands and separating the edges slightly. It is immediately apparent (Fig. 2) whether or not a film is out of sequence by the position of the oblique mark on the margin, and, if it is, it can be readily inserted in the proper position without viewing the radiograph as a whole. This is a simple procedure, but one which can save a great deal of time for a busy-radiologist.