Final Exam RT 202 (copy)

Particulate Radiation

Radiation given off in particles (alpha, beta) that possess kinetic energy and are ionizing.

Alpha Particles

Consist of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, have a +2 charge, and lose energy quickly with low penetration power.

Beta Particles

Moderately unstable particles that lose 1 negative or positive charge, with stronger penetration power than alpha particles.

Electromagnetic Radiation

Travel as photons or wavelengths at the speed of light, with 0 amu and 0 charge.

Gamma Radiation

Emitted from unstable nuclei during radioactive decay, with low to high penetrating power.

X-rays

Artificially emitted radiation with high penetration power, traveling at speeds up to 0-25 MeV.

Interactivity of Electromagnetic Spectrum

Includes various interactions such as bremsstrahlung (breaking radiation) and characteristic radiation.

Bremsstrahlung Radiation

Energy given off from a projectile electron when it comes close to the nucleus of an atom.

Characteristic Radiation

Discrete energy produced when a projectile electron knocks out an orbital electron.

Total Absorption Interaction

Also known as photoelectric (PE) interaction; results in total energy transfer to an electron.

Compton Scattering

Partial absorption interaction that leads to scattering of electrons and is described by Ei = Es + Eb + Eke.

Pair Production

Interaction involving high-energy x-ray photons and the electromagnetic field of a nucleus, producing a positron and a negatron.

Photodisintegration

Absorption of very high-energy photons by the nucleus causing it to emit a nucleon.

Rad

Unit of absorbed dose measuring radiation energy deposited in materials.

Gy

Gray, the SI unit of absorbed radiation dose; equivalent to 1 Joule of energy absorbed per kg.

Rem

Unit of equivalent dose measuring the biological effect of radiation on human health.

Film Badge

A personnel monitoring device that uses a piece of film to measure radiation exposure.

Pocket Dosimeter

An ionization chamber that measures radiation in air exposure and provides immediate readings.

Thermoluminescent Dosimeter (TLD)

Uses crystalline material that releases light when heated, proportional to radiation dose.

Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL)

A type of dosimeter that is scanned by laser to measure radiation exposure, more sensitive than TLD.

NCRP Reports

Guidelines provided by the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements related to radiation safety.

Cardinal Principles of Radiation Protection

Minimize time, maximize distance, and ensure appropriate shielding from radiation sources.

Inverse Square Law

The intensity of radiation decreases with the square of the distance from the source.

HVL (Half-Value Layer)

The thickness of material needed to reduce the intensity of radiation to half its original value.

Cumulative Effective Dose (cumEfd)

Lifetime dose calculated as age times 10 mSv.

Radon

A natural radioactive gas that can accumulate in homes and buildings, a significant health risk.

Mobile Radiography Precaution

Maintain a 1-meter rule and ensure the exposure cord is at least 2 meters long.

Primary Barrier

Any wall that is perpendicular to the primary beam, providing protection against radiation.

Secondary Barrier

Any wall parallel to the primary beam which offers additional radiation protection.

Controlled Area

Area where access is regulated to maintain radiation exposure below acceptable limits.

Uncontrolled Area

General access areas where radiation exposure levels are kept below prescribed limits.

Gonadal Shielding

Shielding used to protect reproductive organs from radiation exposure during medical imaging.

Lead Apron Thickness

Standard thickness of lead aprons for radiation protection is .5 mm lead.

Occupational Dose Limit

Maximum annual effective dose limit for radiation workers is 50 mSv.

Annual Equivalent Dose for Skin and Extremities

Limit set at 500 mSv for skin and 500 mSv for extremities.

Educational Radiation Dose Limit

Radiation exposure limit for educational purposes set at 1 mSv per year.

Dose Assessment for Pregnant Workers

Pregnant workers must inform RSO; limits are .5 mSv monthly and 5 mSv during gestation.

Collective Dose (colEfd)

Cumulative dose to a population from a specific radiation source.

TEDE (Total Effective Dose Equivalent)

Sum of internal and external radiation doses received by a person.

Quality Control in Radiography

Ensures consistent and reproducible radiation exposure during repeated procedures.

Lead Shielding Material

Common materials used for protection against radiation include lead and concrete.

Patient Protection Practices

Minimizing patient exposure through techniques such as PA projections for specific exams.

X-ray Generator Settings

Adjustments that affect the quality and quantity of X-ray production.

Tenth Value Layer (TVL)

Another term for the half-value layer used to express the reduction of radiation intensity.

Cumulative Dose in Population Studies

Analysis of collective dose received by a defined group from radiation exposure.

Radiation Monitoring Equipment

Involves various devices like Geiger-Muller counters, ionization chambers, and dosimeters.

X-ray Emission Spectrum

The spectrum of emitted X-ray radiation characterized by varying energies and filtration effects.

Characteristics of Collision Interactions

Differences in interactions based on the energy of photons and the atomic structure involved.

Patient Care in Radiology

Emphasizes the importance of minimizing radiation exposure while ensuring diagnostic effectiveness.

Occupational Safety Measures

Strategies implemented to protect healthcare workers from excess radiation exposure.

Radiation Therapy Limitations

Use of high-energy photons primarily in therapeutic contexts rather than diagnostic imaging.

X-ray Tube Housing Safety

Designed to reduce leakage radiation to less than 1 mGy/hr at 1 meter from the tube.

Dosimetric Measurements

Evaluations of radiation dose using various measurement devices and methodologies.

Mobile Fluoroscopy Guidelines

Defines safety and operational limits for using fluoroscopy in mobile settings.

Radiographic Quality Control

Routine checks to ensure radiographic equipment functions within safety limits.

Lead Glass Window Thickness

Typically .8 mm lead equivalent for protecting radiology staff from scattered radiation.

Image Receptor Distance (SID)

Minimum distances for stationary radiography, generally not less than 40 inches.

Occupational Radiation Exposure Awareness

Essential for ensuring that health professionals understand their exposure limits.

Conducting a Risk Assessment in Radiology

Evaluating potential risks associated with radiation exposure in medical scenarios.

Minimizing Radiation Dose to Patients

Applies principles including proper positioning and technique adjustments.

Emergency Protocols for Radiation accidents

Plans to address incidents involving unintentional radiation exposure.

Radiation Shielding Materials

Use of materials like lead, concrete, and protective barriers to minimize radiation exposure.

Distance from Primary Beam

The principle of maximizing distance to reduce radiation doses received.

Routine Maintenance of Radiation Equipment

Scheduled inspections to ensure safety and effectiveness of radiographic machines.

Radiation Safety Education for Staff

Training programs designed to enhance knowledge regarding radiation protection.

Lead Apron Storage Best Practices

Proper techniques for maintaining and storing protective aprons to prevent damage.

Radiation Exposure Indicators

Signs and tools used to monitor and indicate levels of radiation exposure.

Photographic Film Usage in Dosimetry

Utilizing film for assessing radiation doses based on exposure levels.

Continuous Monitoring of Radiation Levels

Real-time tracking of radiation exposure in various healthcare settings.

Health Risks Associated with Radiation Exposure

Understanding potential short-term and long-term effects of exposure on human health.

Protective Equipment Standards

Criteria set for radiation protection apparel and devices in clinical environments.

The Role of NCRP

National Council on Radiation Protection's mission to provide guidance on radiation safety.