To confirm correct patient positioning in an X-ray, which anatomical feature should be aligned?

When confirming correct patient positioning for an X-ray, aligning the head of the clavicles is crucial. The clavicles serve as a reliable landmark for assessing the alignment of the shoulders and the overall symmetry of the upper body. Proper alignment of the head of the clavicles ensures that the chest area is positioned correctly, which is essential for achieving clear and accurate imaging of the thoracic region.

Aligning the clavicles allows radiologists to assess potential abnormalities and ensures that the resulting images are diagnostic quality. If the clavicles are misaligned, it could indicate improper rotation or positioning, which might obscure critical anatomical structures or lead to misinterpretation of the X-ray.

In contrast, while the alignment of the femurs, shoulders, or pelvic bones is important for various imaging purposes, the head of the clavicles specifically provides critical orientation for upper body images, particularly in chest X-rays. Proper alignment at this anatomical feature supports accurate diagnostic interpretation.