Intro to RAD PRO

1) How does ionizing radiation produce biologic damage?

X-rays are a form of ionizing radiation that produce ions when passing through matter. Biologic damage in the patient results from the absorption of the charged particles, causing injury to normal tissue in the body.

2)Why is radiation protection necessary for both patients and imaging personnel during diagnostic x-ray procedures?

In order to minimize radiation exposure to patients and imaging personnel, safety techniques are employed.

3)How is risk weighted against benefit in medical radiography?

If imaging with the use of ionizing radiation is medically necessary to properly diagnose, treat or even prevent disease, then the benefit of the exposure to the patient, outweighs any slight risk of inducing a genetic defect.

4)Why must a referring physician justify medical necessity for an x-ray procedure?

Physicians must take responsibility in protecting patients against unnecessary radiation exposure. Therefore, if the use of diagnostic imaging will provide accurate diagnosis which will benefit the patient, despite risk, the imaging procedure is justified.

5)Why should occupational and nonoccupational dose limits remain well below maximum allowable levels?

To ensure that patients are receiving the lowest possible levels of radiation.

6)How can the ALARA concept be effectively applied in the clinical setting?

Radiation protection can be achieved by producing diagnostic, high quality images and keeping the radiation exposure to as low as reasonably achievable, ALARA. Employers can establish a radiation safety program that educates and provides policies to employees that states the commitment and importance of applying the minimal dose possible. Exposure factors should be obtained periodically to determine low radiation exposure.

7)How should a radiographer respond to a patient who asks how much radiation he/she will receive from a specific x-ray procedure?

Explain in terms of BERT, background equivalent radiation time. BERT compares the amount of radiation received from an x-ray compared to amounts received from the natural radiation from the environment, in any given day, week month or year. For example, the amount of radiation received from a chest x-ray is 8mrem. It will take 10 days to receive the same amount of radiation from the environment according to BERT values.

8)Why would the exact amount of dose received from background radiation vary from one individual to another and for one individual from year to year?

Individuals are exposed to ionizing radiation every day. However, some people are exposed to a larger variety and other individuals exposures are limited.

9)What are the benefits of effective communication between an imaging professional and a patient before and during an x-ray procedure?

Explaining radiologic procedures to patients will reduce fear and anxiety. Informed patients may allow for compliance. Communicate to patients during procedures so they are aware of the type of cooperation needed to obtain the study, for example, specific breathing instructions to reduce blur on images. This will result in optimal studies with minimal repeats of exposure.

10)Why is patient education important in medical imaging?

In order to provide the highest quality of patient care, imaging personnel should inform patients specific information about procedures, after care instructions or follow up exams. When a patient understands that the benefits of having a procedure outweighs the risk of radiation exposure, he/she is more likely to comply.

11)What is the difference between equivalent dose EqD and effective dose EfD?

EqD is a quantity of the variation in biologic effect that is produced by different types of radiation expressed in the unit sievert (SV). The EfD is a dose for total body exposure for all types of ionizing radiation that produces a biologic effect.

12)What impact do radiation accidents, such as the one that occurred at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in the former Soviet Union in 1986, have on the affected population and the global population?

As a result of the explosion, over 200 people at the site of the plant received a total body radiation exceeding 1 Sv (100rem). More then two dozen deaths from injuries were reported. Doses calculated over 4 Sv (400 rem). Thyroid doses over several sieverts were found in populations living miles away from the site. As a consequence of the radiation exposure, adverse health effects are expected to develop from years to come.

13)What value did the ETHOS Project have for local citizens of the contaminated territories in the aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident?

The ETHOS Project was a project established to encourage the citizens to unite and actively participate in rebuilding living conditions. The project aimed to allow the population reconstruct their quality of life.

14)Why must radiation exposure from artificial sources of ionizing radiation be limited?

Medical radiation, x-ray and nuclear medicine, are the largest forms of artificial radiation. Its increase use as a diagnostic tool for patient care is in high demand. Therefore, radiation must be limited because of the potential risk for biologic damage.

15)How do beta particles and high-speed electrons differ?

The origin of beta particles is different from high-speed electrons. Beta particles are emitted from the nuclei of radioactive atoms. Electrons originate in atomic shells.