Quick question from 3 a.m. ICU rounds: how are you keeping collimation tight and kVp at 90–110 on AP chests with multiple lines while avoiding repeats? I’m using a 72-inch SID, centering to T7, shielding when feasible, and double-checking line placement under the light field, but I’d love your go-to pre-exposure checks that make ALARA practical when it’s hectic.
Laser-check SID, glance at prior EI, coordinate ventilator insp hold — skip shielding if lines unstable. @ICU_Rad grid or no-grid?
I skip the physical grid on portables and turn on the DR’s virtual grid; it keeps contrast at about 100 kVp and avoids cutoff, which cuts repeats. Pre-exposure, quick “acromion check”: top of detector about a finger above the shoulders, then a slight caudal tilt if semi-erect to drop the clavicles off the apices. @alexa.morrison22 grid or no-grid on your ICU rigs — and do you trust the virtual grid, or is that a 3 a.m. unicorn?
I find that a good habit is to check line placements while asking the patient to take a deep breath. It’s like trying to get a good photo during a family reunion — everyone has to be in the right spot! Have you tried using a quick checklist for those chaotic moments, @kreed12?