What LXMOs need to know.

RADIOGRAPHY ESSENTIALS FOR LIMITED PRACTICE. 2nd ed. Long B, Frank E, Elrich R. 2005. 624 pgs. W.B. Saunders. Philadelphia, Pa. www.mosby.com. $57.95.

This text is for educators who teach students to become limited operators. The American Society of Radiologic Technologists Limited X-ray Machine Operator Curriculum was used as a guide for developing chapter content. The book is divided into 5 sections that provide a broad range of topics relevant to the limited operator. Each section follows a logical order and provides in-depth explanations for complex subject matter. The material is easy to read and understand, and the subject matter is reinforced with diagrams and important points from the text. Although I will not critique each chapter, there are 2 sections that deserve special attention.

In Part II, the authors explain many topics in x-ray science including physics, x-ray production, circuits, etc. The language and terminology is clear and concise. The definitions, diagrams, radiographs and graphs enhance the material and make it understandable for the student.

Part III covers material concerning patient positioning for a variety of procedures. Although the authors provide positioning instructions, I found the directions somewhat lacking. Positioning landmarks were not consistently used throughout the examinations. The authors attempted to educate the limited operator to perform procedures exactly like a radiographer; therefore, I believe the limited operator should be taught the importance of consistently using landmarks to ensure proper centering.

Overall, this book provides a comprehensive look at information the limited operator will need to succeed in the radiography profession. The content is well organized and flows easily from 1 chapter to the next. The illustrations, photographs and images are of good quality and are useful, but color photographs would have been more visually pleasing. The text offers a multitude of appendices to further student understanding of mathematics, technique charts, radiation exposure, ethics, charting terms and medical abbreviations.

Denise Orth, B.S., R.T.(R)(M)

Hays, Kan

ACCIDENT & EMERGENCY RADIOLOGY: A SURVIVAL GUIDE. 2nd ed. Raby N, Berman L, DeLacey G. 2005. 342 pgs. W.B. Saunders. Philadelphia, Pa. www.mosby.com. $39.95.

This pocket-sized manual adds content to the 1995 first edition by expanding the chapter on chest imaging. The authors also corrected inconsistencies in the previous version and added a glossary.

The book's intended audience is entry-level emergency room physicians. This is obvious from the basic level of the radiographic information included in the manual (eg, a definition of attenuation and how it determines image formation, description of anatomical positioning, the effect of beam angle on anatomical distortion and how to demonstrate air/fluid levels radiographically.). Technologists will find little use for this information but may enjoy learning about the process of forming a diagnosis, which the book covers nicely.

The reader is guided, step-by-step, through image evaluation. Chapters are divided by body section, with each section including a list of key points and subtle signs. The authors also included chapters on foreign bodies that address glass, swallowed foreign bodies such as coins, nonaccidental injury and special pediatric concerns.

At 342 pages long, the guide is easy to read with basic language for fast reading. Clear and concise images and radiographs accompany all of the chapters.

Lynn M. Legg, M.B.A., R.T.(R)(M)

Richmond, Va

Literature Review features contributions from volunteer writers in the radiologic sciences, reviewing the latest in publications and communication materials produced for the profession. Suggestions and questions should be sent to communieations@asrt.org.