Radiologic Technology License SRTLE Complete Review Guide 2026–2027

4. Erect positioning shows air-fluid levels; a decubitus view with a horizontal beam is used when the patient cannot stand. Source: Lampignano & Kendrick, Bontrager's Textbook of Radiographic Positioning and Related Anatomy, 10th ed.
5. Two projections at right angles are the minimum for most bones; include the joint nearest the injury for long bones, ideally both joints. Source: Lampignano & Kendrick, Bontrager's Textbook of Radiographic Positioning and Related Anatomy, 10th ed.
6. Scaphoid fractures are best shown with a PA wrist in ulnar deviation; a negative first film with clinical suspicion needs follow-up. Source: Lampignano & Kendrick, Bontrager's Textbook of Radiographic Positioning and Related Anatomy, 10th ed.
7. Suspected cervical spine injury: do not move the neck; obtain a cross-table lateral or CT first, following trauma protocol. Source: Lampignano & Kendrick, Bontrager's Textbook of Radiographic Positioning and Related Anatomy, 10th ed.
8. Normal adult vital signs: pulse 60–100/min, respiration 12–20/min, blood pressure around 120/80 mmHg, temperature about 37 °C, SpO2 ≥ 95%. Source: Torres, Dutton & Linn-Watson, Patient Care in Imaging Technology, 9th ed.
9. Before iodinated contrast check allergy history, renal function in at-risk patients, metformin use and hydration. Source: ACR Manual on Contrast Media.
10. Barium studies are contraindicated when perforation is suspected; water-soluble iodinated contrast is used instead. Source: ACR Manual on Contrast Media.
11. Upper GI studies need fasting (usually from midnight); barium enema needs bowel preparation. Source: Lampignano & Kendrick, Bontrager's Textbook of Radiographic Positioning and Related Anatomy, 10th ed.
12. A hysterosalpingogram is scheduled after menstruation and before ovulation (about days 7–10) to avoid an early pregnancy. Source: Lampignano & Kendrick, Bontrager's Textbook of Radiographic Positioning and Related Anatomy, 10th ed.
13. Pelvic ultrasound through the abdomen needs a full bladder; transvaginal scanning needs an empty bladder. Source: Adler & Carlton, Introduction to Radiologic and Imaging Sciences and Patient Care, 6th ed.
14. Gallbladder ultrasound needs fasting for about 6–8 hours so the gallbladder is distended. Source: Adler & Carlton, Introduction to Radiologic and Imaging Sciences and Patient Care, 6th ed.
15. Standard screening mammography uses CC and MLO views; adequate compression reduces dose, motion and overlap. Source: Lampignano & Kendrick, Bontrager's Textbook of Radiographic Positioning and Related Anatomy, 10th ed.
16. A stroke CT protocol starts with non-contrast head CT to exclude haemorrhage, often followed by CT angiography and perfusion. Source: Seeram, Computed Tomography, 4th ed.
17. CT pulmonary angiography times the bolus to the pulmonary arteries using bolus tracking; arterial and portal venous phases are timed differently for the abdomen. Source: Seeram, Computed Tomography, 4th ed.
18. MRI with gadolinium checks renal function in at-risk patients because of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis risk with older agents. Source: ACR Manual on Contrast Media.
19. Cardiac MRI uses ECG gating to freeze cardiac motion; respiratory motion is controlled with breath-holds or navigators. Source: Westbrook, Roth & Talbot, MRI in Practice, 5th ed.
20. Fluoroscopy dose is reduced with pulsed fluoroscopy, last-image hold, collimation and keeping the image intensifier or detector close to the patient. Source: Adler & Carlton, Introduction to Radiologic and Imaging Sciences and Patient Care, 6th ed.
21. The common femoral artery is the usual arterial access; manual pressure or a closure device is used after sheath removal. Source: Kandarpa, Machan & Durham, Handbook of Interventional Radiologic Procedures
22. After angiography check the puncture site, distal pulses and vital signs, and keep the leg straight as instructed. Source: Kandarpa, Machan & Durham, Handbook of Interventional Radiologic Procedures
23. Coagulation (INR, platelets) and anticoagulant use are checked before biopsies and arterial procedures. Source: Kandarpa, Machan & Durham, Handbook of Interventional Radiologic Procedures
24. Tc-99m MDP bone scans image about 2–4 hours after injection; the patient is hydrated and voids before imaging. Source: Cherry, Sorenson & Phelps, Physics in Nuclear Medicine, 4th ed.
25. F-18 FDG PET requires fasting and controlled blood glucose; the patient rests quietly during uptake to limit muscle uptake. Source: Cherry, Sorenson & Phelps, Physics in Nuclear Medicine, 4th ed.
26. Common radiopharmaceuticals: Tc-99m MAA for lung perfusion, Tc-99m sestamibi for myocardial perfusion, I-131 for thyroid therapy. Source: Cherry, Sorenson & Phelps, Physics in Nuclear Medicine, 4th ed.
27. Low-osmolar and iso-osmolar non-ionic iodinated agents have fewer reactions than older high-osmolar ionic agents. Source: ACR Manual on Contrast Media.
28. Adrenaline (epinephrine) is first-line for anaphylaxis; atropine treats symptomatic bradycardia; diphenhydramine treats hives. Source: ACR Manual on Contrast Media.
29. Sedated patients are monitored with pulse oximetry and observed until discharge criteria are met. Source: Torres, Dutton & Linn-Watson, Patient Care in Imaging Technology, 9th ed.
30. Oxygen is a drug: it is given at the prescribed rate, and cylinders are never taken into the MR room unless MR-safe. Source: Torres, Dutton & Linn-Watson, Patient Care in Imaging Technology, 9th ed.
31. Recognise shock early: falling blood pressure, rising pulse, pallor and cold clammy skin; lay the patient flat and call for help. Source: AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC.

Common mistakes in this chapter

• ✕ Never use barium when perforation is suspected.
• ✕ Transabdominal pelvic US needs a full bladder; transvaginal needs an empty one.
• ✕ Do not move the neck before cervical spine injury is excluded.
• ✕ Stroke CT starts without contrast.
• ✕ Projection names describe the beam path, not the side touching the detector.
• ✕ High blood glucose degrades FDG PET.