System for imprinting patient-identifying barcodes onto medical X-rays

#The present invention relates to barcoding and more particularly to the barcoding of X-ray film.

#Extensive use of X-rays in hospitals and other facilities requires that each X-ray film be carefully and accurately marked with proper identification of the patient. In a typical situation, multiple exposures are taken for each patient, and patients are exposed one after the other as they are moved through the X-ray facility.

#It is obviously critical that each film exposed be accurately marked with the patient's identifying information. With the large volume involved, it is seen that it is essential that the film be marked as close to the exposure as possible to insure this accuracy.

#FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an X-ray film cassette now commonly in use.

#FIG. 2 is an isometric view of an X-ray film cassette modified in accordance with a preferred embodiment of this invention.

#FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the cassette shown in FIG. 2 in an open position.

#Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a typical X-ray film cassette 10 with a cover 12 hinged at 14 with latches 16 for either locking or permitting cover 12 to be opened. In one corner of cassette 10 is located in cover 12 an opening 18 with a sliding panel or door 22 shown in a partially open condition. The underside of cassette 10 which is not visible is made from a material opaque to light but transparent to X-rays. The other side of cassette 10 may have appropriate shielding.

#To use cassette 10, latches 16 are released to open cover 12 and a sheet of unexposed X-ray film is inserted (in the dark), then cover 12 is closed. To place patient identifying material on the film, opening 18 is uncovered by sliding panel or door 22 open (in the dark) and a transparent label containing the information is placed over or on opening 18. A light is flashed to expose the film with that information, and then panel or door 22 is shut. Cassette 10 is then inserted into the X-ray machine where the patient is irradiated producing the desired image on the film. A small patch of lead (not shown) would be located in front of the film preventing further exposure where the patient identifying information is located. The patient identifying material may be placed on the X-ray film after the patient has been exposed.

#In an environment where many patients are being processed, and multiple X-rays may be taken of each patient, the fact that the cassette has to be handled by a technician between the time that patient information is recorded and the X-ray is taken makes it possible that errors will occur, and, in fact, while statistically small, such errors do occur. Errors in identification, where patient's cassettes are inadvertently switched, can be very serious, so that extreme measures must be taken to avoid such situations.