|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
It seems a bit absurd to spend the time in correctly exposing the film, properly identifying it, handling the processing in a satisfactory manner, and then discarding the radiograph by stacking it on the top of the pile of radiographs in the corner. If radiographs are to have any value in referal cases or in follow-up examinations, they must be placed in a file envelope and identified for future retrieval.
Film storage envelopes can be purchased from your film supply service. It is recommended that one large size envelope be used for film storage and all films are placed in this envelope regardless of size. It is possible to use a smaller envelope for certain examinations and place that envelope within the large one.
Information that can be placed on the outside of the film storage envelope includes a description of the patient and owner as well as the date and type of each radiographic examination. Radiographic techniques can be easily written on the envelope at the time of the examination and provide a good reference at the time of follow-up studies.
Color Tape #1 (body system)
|
Color Tape 2 (type of disease)
|
Color Tape #3 (radiographic examination) Color Tape
|
Color Tape 2 9 (type of
disease)
Another part of the envelope surface can contain information concerning disposition of the radiographs. A record of when studies are sent to other clinics or given to the owner must be kept. The film envelope should never leave your hospital since your record of radiographic studies and film disposal is on that envelope.
The type of numbering system used for your radiographic studies is a matter of personal choice. If you use a consecutive hospital or clinic number; you have the advantage of only dealing with one case number for each patient. The disadvantage is that you have no way of examining your radiographic files and knowing if a film filing envelope is missing since you will not radiograph each patient that enters the hospital and therefore not have each hospital number in your radiographic file.
You can establish a separate radiographic number which makes it easier to determine when you have lost radiographs but the disadvantage of having a separate number of the patient may make this too cumbersome a system.
It is possible to also label your film filing envelope so that it serves as a teaching file for your clinic. Those cases that have confirmed diagnoses and good radiographic studies can be labeled by colored tape in the manner outlined in Table 15-1. It is possible to expand this color coding to be as specific as you wish by adding a second color. Another coding technique can identify the species or even breed that has been examined. Normal examinations can be marked with another color tape.
This system may seem time consuming at first but you will not code each case, only those that you feel will be of value upon retrieval at a later date. Consider the time consumed in searching for "the case that was right here on the table yesterday." A color coding system probably saves you time in the long run.
 |
