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What is the unit of measurement used to express the amount of radiation received?
What is the main idea behind the BERT method?
What is the purpose of the timely notification feature in the TRACE program?
What is the goal of the technologic enhancements in the TRACE program?
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What is the focus of the education component in the TRACE program?
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What is the result of using the BERT method?
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What is the purpose of the altered protocols in the TRACE program?
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What is the main benefit of the BERT method?
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Study Notes
Introduction to Radiation Protection
- X-rays were discovered in 1895 and were recognized as a valuable diagnostic tool and therapeutic tool, but also had the potential to cause injury to normal biologic tissue.
- Ionizing radiation, like x-rays, produces positively and negatively charged particles (ions) when passing through matter, which can cause injury.
Radiologic Technologists and Radiologists
- They are educated in the safe operation of radiation-producing equipment and use protective devices whenever possible.
- They follow established procedures and select technical exposure factors that minimize radiation exposure to patients and themselves.
Effective Radiation Protection
- It is an ongoing responsibility of diagnostic imaging professionals to ensure radiation safety during all medical radiation procedures.
- This is achieved by adhering to an established radiation protection program.
Radiation Protection
- It involves employing effective measures to safeguard patients, personnel, and the general public from unnecessary exposure to ionizing radiation.
- Unnecessary radiation exposure is any radiation that does not benefit a person in terms of diagnostic information obtained or enhance the quality of the study.
Effective Protective Measures
- These measures take into account human and environmental physical determinants, technical elements, and procedural factors.
- They consist of tools and techniques designed to minimize radiation exposure while producing optimal-quality diagnostic images.
Diagnostic Efficacy
- It is the degree to which a diagnostic study accurately reveals the presence or absence of disease in the patient.
- Diagnostic efficacy is maximized when essential images are produced under recommended radiation protection guidelines.
As Low as Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) Principle
- It is an acronym for as low as reasonably achievable, synonymous with the term optimization for radiation protection (ORP).
- The intention behind ALARA is to keep radiation exposure and consequent dose to the lowest possible level.
Cardinal Rules of Radiation Protection
- The three basic principles of radiation protection are Time, Distance, and Shielding.
- These principles can be applied to both the patient and the radiographer.
Patient Protection and Patient Education
- Educating patients about imaging procedures helps to ensure the highest quality of service.
- Effective communication is essential, and patients should be answered honestly about the potential risk of radiation exposure.
Blue Book (BERT) Method
- It compares the amount of radiation received with natural background radiation received over a given period of time.
- BERT is based on an annual U.S. population exposure of approximately 3 millisieverts per year.
Advantages of the BERT Method
- It does not imply radiation risk but is a means for comparison.
- It emphasizes that radiation is an innate part of our environment.
- The answer given in terms of BERT is easy for the patient to comprehend.
Tools for Radiation Awareness and Community Education (TRACE) Program
- It is a radiation dose awareness and dose reduction program for patients, the community, healthcare workers, and physicians.
- The program includes technologic enhancements, timely notification, and substantial lowering of CT doses through improved technology.
Introduction to Radiation Protection
- Discovery of x-rays in 1895 marked the beginning of their use in the medical community for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
- Awareness of both beneficial and destructive potential of x-rays led to recognition of their ability to cause injury in normal biologic tissue.
What Are X-Rays?
- X-rays are a form of ionizing radiation, which produces positively and negatively charged particles (ions) when passing through matter.
- The production of these ions can cause injury in normal biologic tissue.
Consequences of Ionization in Human Cells
- Ionization can lead to cellular damage and potentially harm human cells.
- The process of ionization affects atoms, molecules, and ultimately, human tissues and organs.
Safe Control of Radiant Energy
- Humans can safely control the use of radiant energy by employing effective methods to eliminate hazards and controlling radiation produced from an x-ray tube.
- Limiting the energy deposited in living tissue by radiation can reduce the potential for adverse effects.
Radiologic Technologists and Radiologists
- These professionals are educated in the safe operation of radiation-producing equipment and use protective devices to minimize radiation exposure.
- They follow established procedures and select technical exposure factors to reduce radiation exposure to patients and themselves.
Effective Radiation Protection
- Radiation protection is an ongoing responsibility of diagnostic imaging professionals to ensure radiation safety during all medical radiation procedures.
- An established radiation protection program is necessary to fulfill this obligation.
Radiation Protection
- Effective measures are employed by radiation workers to safeguard patients, personnel, and the general public from unnecessary exposure to ionizing radiation.
- Unnecessary radiation exposure includes any exposure that does not benefit a person in terms of diagnostic information or enhance the quality of the study.
Effective Protective Measures
- Protective measures take into consideration human and environmental physical determinants, technical elements, and procedural factors.
- These measures consist of tools and techniques designed to minimize radiation exposure while producing optimal-quality diagnostic images.
Responsibility for Determining Medical Necessity
- The referring physician is responsible for protecting the patient from radiation exposure that is not useful.
- Radiographers and radiologists share in keeping the patient's medical radiation exposure at the lowest possible level.
Keeping Occupational and Nonoccupational Doses Well Below Maximum Allowable Levels
- Use the smallest radiation exposure necessary to produce useful images.
- Produce optimal images with the first exposure to avoid repeat examinations.
- Compare radiation exposure to natural background radiation to improve understanding and reduce fear.
Advantages of the BERT Method
- The BERT method does not imply radiation risk, but rather compares radiation exposure to natural background radiation.
- The method emphasizes that radiation is an innate part of our environment.
- The answer given in terms of BERT is easy for the patient to comprehend.
Tools for Radiation Awareness and Community Education (TRACE) Program
- The TRACE program is a radiation dose awareness and dose reduction program for patients, the community, and healthcare workers.
- The program includes technologic enhancements, such as embedded software, timely notification of high radiation doses, and substantial lowering of CT doses through improved technology.
- The program consists of two phases.
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Description
Learn about the discovery of X-rays, their uses, and the potential risks associated with ionizing radiation, as well as the role of radiologic technologists and radiologists in safe operation of radiation-producing equipment.
