BUCKY DIAPHRAGM

Typical Number in Hospital:

Cost Bands:

References: 7

The term 'Bucky' arises from the Potter-Bucky diaphragm, which was the first moving secondary radiation grid for X-ray sets. It is an assembly which is usually located under the table of a diagnostic X-ray set and holds the X-ray film cassette and the secondary radiation grid. The grid is used to prevent secondary X-ray emission from the patient reaching the X-ray film, and is formed from a large number of thin strips of lead separated by a radiolucent material. To prevent the outline of the grid from appearing on the film a mechanism is provided for moving the grid during exposure. The Bucky is mounted on bearings which permit movement along rails under the X-ray table so that the grid and film can be moved to an appropriate position under the patient. The Bucky is used with most diagnostic X-ray equipment.

Although it is usually found as an integral part of the X- ray set, it may also be a separate device which can be used vertically or with an ordinary hospital trolley. For ward and theatre work, and with rapid X-ray film changers stationary grids are often used.