1307 - WEEK 16 -Radiation Protection in Medical Imaging

These flashcards cover important concepts regarding radiation protection in medical imaging as outlined in the lecture notes.

What Canadian safety code outlines radiation protection in medical imaging facilities?

Safety Code 35 by Health Canada.

Who was the first to recommend x-ray shielding and when?

Dr. Rollins, a Boston dentist, in 1898.

What were Dr. Rollins' 3 key radiation protection recommendations?

1. Wear radiopaque glasses 2. Enclose the x-ray tube 3. Irradiate only the necessary region

What is the primary purpose of facility design according to Safety Code 35?

To minimize radiation exposure to patients, staff, and the public.

What are the three factors that determine shielding requirements in a facility?

Maximum workload, occupancy factor, and use factor.

What is a primary protective barrier?

A shield designed to block the direct x-ray beam (e.g., wall behind upright bucky, floor under table bucky).

What is a secondary protective barrier?

A shield that blocks scatter and leakage radiation (e.g., control booth, ceiling, doors).

Why should the x-ray tube never be aimed at the control booth?

To minimize occupational radiation exposure, as the control booth is a secondary barrier.

What kind of shielding is required for angiographic and radioscopic equipment?

Only secondary shielding.

What act must all diagnostic x-ray equipment comply with in Canada?

The Radiation Emitting Devices Act.

What is the difference between the Radiation Emitting Devices Regulations and Medical Devices Regulations?

Radiation Emitting Devices Regulations cover safety features related to radiation; Medical Devices Regulations cover all other equipment standards.

List at least four equipment requirements for imaging safety.

1. Radiation warning signs 2. Indicator lights 3. Beam filter and shield 4. Loading factor indicators 5. Controlling timers

What is required for radiographic equipment performance?

Reproducibility and linearity, irradiation switch, beam-limiting device, accurate loading and alignment, AEC (Automatic Exposure Control).

What are two safety features required in radioscopic (fluoroscopic) equipment?

Protective shielding and last-image hold.

What are CR imaging components that require maintenance?

CR plates and cassettes, electronic display devices, PACS system, teleradiology systems.

What are monthly tests for digital display quality assurance?

Geometric distortion, luminance, resolution tests.

What is a radiation protection survey?

An inspection by a qualified expert to assess safety and compliance of an imaging facility.

What should be considered when disposing of x-ray equipment?

Contact the manufacturer and check for recyclability due to components like PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls).

What do PCBs found in x-ray tubes pose a risk for?

Diseases such as cancer.

What is the purpose of shielding walls in a radiology facility?

To protect people in surrounding rooms from scatter radiation.