Bedside radiographic examinations: indications and contraindications.

Indications for requesting and performing bedside radiographic examinations in an institutional setting are proposed. A prospective study of such examinations was made in a 500-bed hospital. All nursing units were evaluated for criteria used in requesting bedside examinations. It was found that general medical and surgical wards generate the greatest percentage of bedside studies, and yet their criteria for requesting such studies yielded the lowest percentage of validity. General criteria for utilization of mobile radiographic equipment could lead to better radiographs and improved allocation of equipment and personnel.