Home » How to use Collimator Dials on the X-ray Machine
Collimator dials FAQs
What is this video about?
A quick training video on how to use the X-ray collimator dial, especially if the globe has blown. Read our blog about X-ray collimator dials to increase your understanding.
How do I position the collimator to the wall bucky if the globe goes?
They vary by model. Numbers may be arranged differently but always show measurement values as you turn.
🎬 Collimator positioning [0:10]
What is SID and why is it important?
SID is the Source to Image Distance. Common values are 100 cm and 180 cm.
Match the collimator to the correct marker based on your clinic setup.
What do the wall bucky squares represent?
Largest square: 43 x 43cm.
Middle square: 35 x 35cm.
Smallest square: 30 x 30cm (or 30 x 25cm in some cases).
How do I check if the collimator light matches the bucky square?
Set the dial to 43 at 180cm, turn on the light, and the beam should match the outer square.
🎬 Collimator and bucky square [2:08]
How do I collimate for a spinal image (AP view)?
You don’t need full width. Adjust the dials for a narrower field.
🎬 Adjusting for smaller areas [2:43]
Which dial controls width and which controls height?
Bottom dial controls left-right (width).
Top dial controls top-bottom (height).
🎬 Which dial controls what? [3:12]
What if my calculation looks slightly off?
Adjust incrementally, e.g. reduce width to 30cm to better match the area.
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