Guidelines for Prescribing X-ray Examinations

A comprehensive set of flashcards for studying key guidelines and safety practices concerning X-ray examinations.

ALARA

As Low As Reasonably Achievable; principle for minimizing radiation exposure.

Diagnostic Reference Level (DRL)

Reference value used to benchmark upper limit exposure for common exams, typically at the 75th percentile of overall exposures.

Justification

The process of ensuring imaging exams are medically necessary before proceeding with the procedure.

Optimization

Tailoring exposure factors to achieve the lowest necessary dose while maintaining diagnostic quality.

Dose Limit

Guidelines for upper exposure limits; DRLs are used as benchmarks instead of strict limits.

Clinical Evaluation

Assessment requirement to precede X-ray prescriptions; must follow a clinical examination.

Radiological Screening

Imaging procedures implemented with sufficient evidence of benefits.

Pregnancy Consideration

Requirement to rule out pregnancy before imaging abdomen/pelvis in females aged 11-55.

Minimization of Projections

Guideline to reduce the number of imaging projections to those necessary for achieving clinical objectives.

Repeat Imaging

Only performed when essential clinical information is missing, not due to quality concerns.

Mobile Radiation Safety

Additional safety measures and precautions during mobile radiography to protect personnel and patients.

Gonadal Shielding

Protective measure often not used routinely in imaging, but available upon patient request.

Source to Skin Distance (SSD)

Distance optimization principle; maximizing distance during radiation exposure.

Anti-scatter Grids

Devices used to improve image quality while minimizing unnecessary radiation exposure.

Technologist's Role

Ensure exams are performed with the lowest exposure and adhere to prescribed medical necessity.

Lead Shielding

Not routinely used but can be utilized at a patient's request without compromising imaging objectives.

Patient Communication About Radiation

Informing patients effectively about radiation exposure during imaging exams.

Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI)

Process of using DRLs to assess and improve patient exposure levels over time.

Radiologic Technologists (MRTs)

Healthcare professionals responsible for performing imaging exams and ensuring patient safety.

Evidence of Benefits

Criteria that must be met for the justification of radiological screening procedures.

Technical Factors

Variable settings that can be modified to optimize imaging exposure, especially for pediatric patients.

Collimation

Technique to focus the X-ray beam on the area of interest, minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding tissues.

Exposure Switch

Device that allows the technologist to operate X-ray equipment safely from a distance.

Patient Reassurance

Providing information to alleviate patient concerns regarding radiation and shielding.

Clinical Practices

Established protocols and guidelines that ensure imaging examinations are performed safely.

Lead Aprons and Strips

Protective equipment available for patient use during X-ray exams upon request.

Training on Exposure Minimization

Education provided to technologists focused on reducing unnecessary radiation exposure.

Radiation Risk Awareness

Understanding and communicating the risks associated with radiation exposure.

Patient Transfers

Protocol for ensuring prior imaging accompanies patients to prevent unnecessary repeat exams.

History Documentation

Essential for justifying imaging requests and avoiding duplicate exams.

Exposure Levels

Comparison metrics used to contextualize radiation exposure for patients.

Clinical Assessment Requirement

Mandate that imaging should not occur without prior evaluation of patient condition.

Signage for Pregnancy Disclosure

Visual prompts to remind patients to disclose any potential pregnancy before X-ray procedures.

Radiology and Technologist Responsibilities

Joint effort to ensure patient safety from unnecessary radiation exposure during imaging.

Optimization of Exposure Settings

Balancing different technical factors to maintain diagnostic quality while minimizing radiation.

Education on Imaging Technology

Awareness of advancements that have reduced radiation doses in contemporary imaging practices.

Patient Comfort Measures

Confirming that patients feel comfortable and informed throughout the imaging procedure.

Baseline Comparisons

Using DRLs to evaluate and improve radiation exposure over time within clinical settings.

Mobile Unit Safety Checks

Regular inspection of mobile radiography equipment to ensure proper safety features are in place.

Scattering Radiation Protection

Methods used to shield nearby patients from scatter radiation during imaging.

Exposure Investigation

Monitoring and reviewing procedures that exceed established diagnostic reference levels.

Female Patients Pregnancy Screening Protocol

Guidelines on pregnancy inquiry specific to imaging between the diaphragm and pubic symphysis.

Reduction of Internal Scatter

A potential issue arising from lead shielding which can inadvertently cover sensors.

Procedures for Announcing Safety

Clear signaling of when it is safe to return to the imaging area post-exposure.

Informed Consent

Educating and obtaining agreement from patients regarding the procedures and associated risks.