rad protection unit 1

radiation

transfer of energy from one location to another

ion

altered atom/ molecule making up electrically charged particles

x-rays are classified as this

ionizing radiation

fundamental properties of x-rays

1. invisible

2. varying degrees of penetration depending on energy

3. travel in straight lines at the speed of light

4. wide range of energies within the x-ray beam

biological effects

living tissue can be damaged by exposure to ionizing radiation

how to minimize exposure

proper techniques

procedural factors

human determinants

unnecessary exposure if it does not benefit in terms of:

diagnostic info

enhancing the quality of study

diagnostic efficacy

The degree to which a study reveals the presence or absence of a disease while following radiation safety guidelines

tech’s responsobilites

technique

ALARA

minimize repeats

proper shielding

follow protocols

be educated

radiologists’ responsibilites

consulting

don’t order unnecessary exams

utilize same safe practices as techs

employer responsibilities

Implement and maintain a radiation safety program

Supply the necessary resources

Written policy describing ALARA and the commitment of managing it

Exposure audit

ALARA

as low as reasonably achievable

ORP

optimization for radiation protection

cardinal rules

1. time

2. distance

3. shielding

alliance for radiation safety in pediatric imaging

2007

Partnership with overall purpose to reduce dose to pediatrics

Raise awareness among non radiology users

image gently campaign

2008, alliance initiated this campaign

Dissemination of pediatric CT dose reduction

CT can save children's lives, but dose should be lowered by ‘child sizing’

“Pause and Pulse” Image Gently in Fluoroscopy Campaign –most recent.

image wisely campaign

2009

ACR and RSNA formed Joint Task Force on Adult Radiation protection about large increase in general public to ionizing radiation

Lower amount of radiation used in medically necessary imaging studies and eliminating unnecessary procedures

what needs to be done to educate patients?

• explain procedure

• explain follow up if needed

• make patient feel like an active participant in their health care

• answer questions about potential risks/ anxiety

BERT

background equivalent radiation time

BERT

Compares amount of radiation received during a specific procedure to the amount of natural background radiation over a certain period of time

Can be referenced to explain exposure levels to patients

Helps educate and reduces anxiety

radiographic dose documentation

Dictating dose exposures and/or fluoro time into radiology reports

radiation

The emission of energy in the form of electromagnetic waves or as moving subatomic particles passing through space from one location to another

what are the two types of radiation?

mechanical vibration

electromagnetic wave

electromagnetic spectrum

The range of all types of electromagnetic radiation, from radio waves to gamma rays, characterized by varying wavelengths and frequencies.

ionizing examples

x-rays

gamma rays

UV > 10eV

nonionizing examples

UV < 10 eV

visible light

infrared rays

microwaves

radio waves

ionizing

High energy, high frequency, short wavelength

UV > 10 eV

nonionizing

Lower energy, lower frequency, longer wavelength

UV < 10 eV

particulate radiation

Another category of ionizing radiation that has high speeds after being ejected from nucleus of atoms

alpha

emitted from nuclei of heavy elements such as uranium and plutonium during from radioactive decay

beta

from radioactive decay; emitted from the nuclei of radioactive atoms (example: potassium 40)

sources of radiation

natural

man-made

types of natural radiation

terrestrial

cosmic

internal

terrestrial radiation

From radioactive material in the crust of the earth

ex: uranium, radium, thorium

highest contributor of natural background radiation?

radon

2nd leading cause of lung cancer?

radon

cosmic radiation

nuclear interactions caused by the sun and beyond the solar system

internal radiation

Part of the human metabolism

Radioactive atoms that make up small percentage of the body tissue

Potassium-40, Carbon-14, Hydrogen-3,and Strontium-90

man-made radiation

consumer products

air travel

nuclear fuel

atmospheric fallout

nuclear power plant accidents

medical radiation

Three mile island unit 2

1979

Chernobyl

1986

Main effect is thyroid cancer of children and adolescents

Increase seen in breast cancer

Fukushima

2011

types of medical radiation

diagnostic machines

radiopharmaceuticals/ radioisotopes

Which of the following is not a source of background radiation?

1. Radioisotopes used in Nuclear Medicine

2. Radionuclides within the body

3. Terrestrial

4. Cosmic

Radioisotopes used in Nuclear Medicine

What percentage of annual exposure is from Human-made radiation?

1. 60%

2. 50%

3. 100%

4. 40%

50%

What type of radiation is x-ray?

1. Non- ionizing

2. Gamma

3. Particulate

4. Ionizing

ionizing

What does ALARA stand for?

1. As Long As Reasonably Achievable

2. As Low As Reasonably Achievable

3. As Long As Radiologist Allows

4. As Little As Reasonably Achievable

As Low As Reasonably Achievable

What term is a synonym of ALARA?

1. ORP

2. BERT

3. EPA

4. mSv

ORP

What is the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer?

1. X-ray exposure

2. Radon

3. Cosmic

4. Smoking

radon

Which type of radiation is the most penetrating?

neutrinos (v)