Radiation Protection Basics

Basic Radiation Protection

• Emphasis in diagnostic radiology has shifted to patient protection
• Current studies show low doses of X-rays can have latent harmful effects
• Human fetuses are sensitive to X-radiation early in pregnancy

Radiation Protection Procedures

• Radiologic technologists should learn to safely operate X-ray imaging systems with minimal exposures.
• Radiation protection is crucial during each X-ray procedure.

Ten Commandments of Radiation Protection

• Understand and apply the cardinal principles of radiation control: time, distance, and shielding.
• Don't assume familiarity creates false security.
• Never stand in the primary beam.
• Always wear protective apparel when not behind a barrier.
• Wear an occupational radiation monitor outside the protective apron.
• Never hold a patient during the examination. Use mechanical restraints whenever possible or ask a family member to hold the patient.
• If a person holds the patient, they must always wear a protective apron and gloves, if possible.
• Use gonadal shields for reproductive-age individuals when interference with the examination is not an issue.
• Avoid pelvic/lower abdominal examinations in pregnant individuals, particularly in the first trimester.
• Always use the smallest possible field size for the examination.
• Practice ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) to keep radiation exposures as low as possible.

Primary Radiation Protection Devices

• Filtration: Metal filters (aluminum or copper) are inserted to absorb low-energy X-rays before they reach the patient. These low-energy rays have little diagnostic value, reducing patient exposure.
• Collimation: Limits the X-ray beam to the area of interest, sparing adjacent tissues from unnecessary exposure. Adjustable light-locating collimators are commonly used. Collimation improves image contrast by reducing scatter radiation.
• Intensifying Screens: Absorb X-rays and convert them into visible light, exposing the radiographic film. This reduces patient exposure while shortening exposure times. Minimizes motion artifacts during the exposure.

Protective Apparel, Gonadal Shields, Protective Barrier

• Lead-impregnated aprons and gloves are worn by radiologists and radiologic technologists during fluoroscopy and certain radiographic procedures.
• Gonadal shields should be used for individuals of childbearing age when the gonads are in the X-ray beam path. The use of shields does not interfere with the diagnostic value of the examination.
• A lead-lined barrier with a leaded-glass window is used for personnel to remain behind during X-ray examinations.

History of Radiology

• Early Radiology: Images were recorded onto glass photographic plates.
• 1918: Eastman Kodak introduced film, revolutionizing radiographic imaging
• Present Day: Digital imaging and archiving technology (PACS) records and stores images electronically.

Timeline Advances in Radiology

• 1895: Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen discovered X-rays. The first image captured was of his wife's hand, showing its skeletal outline with a ring on one of her fingers.
• 1896: Antoine-Henri Becquerel discovered radioactivity.
• 1914-1918: Radiological equipment was used in field hospitals to diagnose fractures, bullets and shrapnel of soldiers during World War I.
• 1918: George Eastman introduced film.
• 1946: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) was discovered independently by American physicists.
• 1955: Ian Donald developed a portable ultrasound machine.
• 1961: The first single-plane positron emission tomography (PET) scan was built by American James Robertson.
• 1972: Godfrey Hounsfield developed the first clinical prototype of a computed tomography (CT) scanner.
• 1973: The first NMR image was published by American chemist Paul Lauterbur.
• 1975-1980: Real-time ultrasound machines were introduced.
• 1977: Raymond Damadian completed the first Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
• Early 1980s: MRI scanners were installed in hospitals.
• 1990s: Ultrasound became a routine procedure in pregnancy to monitor fetal development.
• 1991: The first functional MRI (fMRI) of the brain was conducted.
• 2000: The PET-CT scanner was named medical invention of the year by TIME magazine.
• 2012: The International Day of Radiology (IDoR) was introduced.
• 2014: The world's first human color X-ray scanner developed by the University of Canterbury.

Pioneers of Radiology

• The Magnificent Seven (1948): Paterno Chikamingo (President), Ramon Paterno(Secretary), Paulino J. Garcia, Daniel Ledesma, Sr, Carlos Marquez, Carlos Vergel de Dios, and Hilario Zialcita
• Dr. Paterno Chikamingo: First president of the Philippine College of Radiology

This quiz covers the fundamental principles of radiation protection in diagnostic radiology. It emphasizes the importance of minimizing exposure and ensuring safety for both patients and radiologic technologists. Topics include the Ten Commandments of Radiation Protection and safe operating procedures.