CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

During a scoliosis series, which AEC chamber(s) are typically avoided?

1. Left and Center Chamber

2. Only the Center Chamber

3. The two outside cells

4. All AEC chambers

The correct answer is: The two outside cells

In a scoliosis series, the two outside AEC chambers are typically avoided because they can lead to underexposure or overexposure due to the nature of scoliosis imaging. The positioning often requires a broader field and varied densities across the image, especially when spinal curvature is involved. The two outside chambers may not effectively account for the varying thickness of the patient or the angle of the spine, causing the automatic exposure control (AEC) system to either misinterpret the appropriate exposure time or not adequately adjust for the radiographic technique needed. Using the center chamber is preferred because it generally aligns better with the anatomical area of interest when imaging the spine. The center chamber can provide a more accurate reading by focusing on the densest part of the anatomy and helps in achieving a consistent film quality. It's crucial during these procedures to maintain optimal image quality and avoid discrepancies caused by varying exposures influenced by external AEC chambers. This method supports producing better diagnostic images while accounting for the complexities presented by scoliosis in radiographic imaging.