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Radiation and Environmental Biophysics Nov 2021This document presents the ICRP's updated vision on "Areas of Research to Support the System of Radiological Protection", which have been previously published in 2017.... (Review)
Review
This document presents the ICRP's updated vision on "Areas of Research to Support the System of Radiological Protection", which have been previously published in 2017. It aims to complement the research priorities promoted by other relevant international organisations, with the specificity of placing them in the perspective of the evolution of the System of Radiological Protection. This document contributes to the process launched by ICRP to review and revise the System of Radiological Protection that will update the 2007 General Recommendations in ICRP Publication 103.
Topics: International Agencies; Radiation Protection
PubMed: 34657188
DOI: 10.1007/s00411-021-00947-1 -
Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences Jun 2020Producing appropriate diagnostic images along with patient radiation protection is the goal of radiography. Due to the advancements of radiography, concerns about...
Evaluating the principles of radiation protection in diagnostic radiologic examinations: collimation, exposure factors and use of protective equipment for the patients and their companions.
INTRODUCTION
Producing appropriate diagnostic images along with patient radiation protection is the goal of radiography. Due to the advancements of radiography, concerns about observing the principles of radiation protection exist. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the observance of the principles of radiation protection in radiographic examinations with emphasis on field size collimation, suitability of exposure factors and the use of protective equipment for the patients and their companions.
METHODS
Using a cross-sectional study design, two radiography students on their final year of study observed 100 radiographic examinations from the imaging departments of five educational hospitals. The SPSS version 24 software was used to analyse the results.
RESULTS
The radiation field collimation was obtained in 46% of the studied radiographs. Patients had companions present during the examination in 26% of the studies; however, protective equipment was only used for 4% of the patients' companions, and no protective equipment was applied for patients. The observance rate of the various principles of radiation protection including field size restriction, the use of protective equipment for the patients and their companions, and suitability of the selected exposure factors was on average 44.6%.
CONCLUSION
The observance rate of the principles of radiation protection was insufficient in the studied educational hospitals, specifically in field size collimation and the use of protective equipment for the patients and their companions. Therefore, emphasis on the strict implementation of the radiation protection guidelines and continuous training of radiographers are required.
Topics: Humans; Radiation Exposure; Radiation Protection; Radiology; Risk Assessment
PubMed: 32149477
DOI: 10.1002/jmrs.384 -
Journal of Radiation Research Dec 2002Early space radiation shield code development relied on Monte Carlo methods and made important contributions to the space program. Monte Carlo methods have resorted to... (Review)
Review
Early space radiation shield code development relied on Monte Carlo methods and made important contributions to the space program. Monte Carlo methods have resorted to restricted one-dimensional problems leading to imperfect representation of appropriate boundary conditions. Even so, intensive computational requirements resulted and shield evaluation was made near the end of the design process. Resolving shielding issues usually had a negative impact on the design. Improved spacecraft shield design requires early entry of radiation constraints into the design process to maximize performance and minimize costs. As a result, we have been investigating high-speed computational procedures to allow shield analysis from the preliminary concept to the final design. For the last few decades, we have pursued deterministic solutions of the Boltzmann equation allowing field mapping within the International Space Station (ISS) in tens of minutes using standard Finite Element Method (FEM) geometry common to engineering design methods. A single ray trace in such geometry requires 14 milliseconds and limits application of Monte Carlo methods to such engineering models. A potential means of improving the Monte Carlo efficiency in coupling to spacecraft geometry is given.
Topics: Cosmic Radiation; Equipment Design; Finite Element Analysis; Mathematics; Monte Carlo Method; Radiation Protection; Spacecraft
PubMed: 12793737
DOI: 10.1269/jrr.43.s87 -
Canadian Association of Radiologists... Aug 2015Medical radiation should be used appropriately and with a dose as low as reasonably achievable. Dose monitoring technologies have been developed that automatically... (Review)
Review
Medical radiation should be used appropriately and with a dose as low as reasonably achievable. Dose monitoring technologies have been developed that automatically accumulate patient dose indicators, providing effective dose estimates and patient-specific dose histories. Deleterious radiation related events have prompted increased public interest in the safe use of medical radiation. Some view individualized patient dose histories as a tool to help manage the patient dose. However, it is imperative that dose monitoring technologies be evaluated on the outcomes of dose reduction and effective patient management. Patient dose management needs to be consistent with the widely accepted linear no-threshold model of stochastic radiation effects. This essay reviews the attributes and limitations of dose monitoring technologies to provoke discussion regarding resource allocation in the current fiscally constrained health care system.
Topics: Canada; Humans; Radiation Dosage; Radiation Protection; Radiometry; Registries; Societies, Medical
PubMed: 25896452
DOI: 10.1016/j.carj.2014.12.005 -
Medycyna Pracy Feb 2021Ionizing radiation as a scientific achievement provides a variety of advantages, e.g., in the medical field. However, it also causes a risk of some illnesses, e.g.,... (Review)
Review
Ionizing radiation as a scientific achievement provides a variety of advantages, e.g., in the medical field. However, it also causes a risk of some illnesses, e.g., cataract or cancer. This results in the need to measure radiation doses and to reduce the unnecessary risk. There are 3 main methods of dose reduction, i.e., shortening the time of exposure, working as far as possible from the X-ray source, and using radioprotective shields. Together with the development of science and technology, dose reduction methods and radioprotection methods have also evolved. Besides improved shielding, the ergonomics is also more advanced, e.g., the zero-gravity shielding or light, and non-lead aprons. What is more, the awareness of using radiological protection and conducting the surgery in the safest way for both the staff and the patient is growing up. The goal of this article is to discuss the newest methods of radiation protection against the background of 3 main protection principles. Med Pr. 2021;72(1):49-59.
Topics: Humans; Occupational Exposure; Radiation Exposure; Radiation Protection; Radiology, Interventional; X-Rays
PubMed: 33162557
DOI: 10.13075/mp.5893.01022 -
Journal of the American College of... May 2012Technological advances and increased utilization of medical testing and procedures have prompted greater attention to ensuring the patient safety of radiation use in the...
Developing an action plan for patient radiation safety in adult cardiovascular medicine: proceedings from the Duke University Clinical Research Institute/American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Think Tank held on February 28, 2011.
Technological advances and increased utilization of medical testing and procedures have prompted greater attention to ensuring the patient safety of radiation use in the practice of adult cardiovascular medicine. In response, representatives from cardiovascular imaging societies, private payers, government and nongovernmental agencies, industry, medical physicists, and patient representatives met to develop goals and strategies toward this end; this report provides an overview of the discussions. This expert “think tank” reached consensus on several broad directions including: the need for broad collaboration across a large number of diverse stakeholders; clarification of the relationship between medical radiation and stochastic events; required education of ordering and providing physicians, and creation of a culture of safety; development of infrastructure to support robust dose assessment and longitudinal tracking; continued close attention to patient selection by balancing the benefit of cardiovascular testing and procedures against carefully minimized radiation exposures; collation, dissemination, and implementation of best practices; and robust education, not only across the healthcare community, but also to patients, the public, and media. Finally, because patient radiation safety in cardiovascular imaging is complex, any proposed actions need to be carefully vetted (and monitored) for possible unintended consequences.
Topics: Adult; Cardiology; Cardiovascular Diseases; Education; Humans; Interprofessional Relations; Organizational Culture; Patient Safety; Quality Indicators, Health Care; Radiation Protection; Radiography; Radiometry; Radionuclide Imaging; United States
PubMed: 22445856
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2012.01.005 -
European Heart Journal Mar 2014The benefits of cardiac imaging are immense, and modern medicine requires the extensive and versatile use of a variety of cardiac imaging techniques. Cardiologists are... (Review)
Review
The appropriate and justified use of medical radiation in cardiovascular imaging: a position document of the ESC Associations of Cardiovascular Imaging, Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions and Electrophysiology.
The benefits of cardiac imaging are immense, and modern medicine requires the extensive and versatile use of a variety of cardiac imaging techniques. Cardiologists are responsible for a large part of the radiation exposures every person gets per year from all medical sources. Therefore, they have a particular responsibility to avoid unjustified and non-optimized use of radiation, but sometimes are imperfectly aware of the radiological dose of the examination they prescribe or practice. This position paper aims to summarize the current knowledge on radiation effective doses (and risks) related to cardiac imaging procedures. We have reviewed the literature on radiation doses, which can range from the equivalent of 1-60 milliSievert (mSv) around a reference dose average of 15 mSv (corresponding to 750 chest X-rays) for a percutaneous coronary intervention, a cardiac radiofrequency ablation, a multidetector coronary angiography, or a myocardial perfusion imaging scintigraphy. We provide a European perspective on the best way to play an active role in implementing into clinical practice the key principle of radiation protection that: 'each patient should get the right imaging exam, at the right time, with the right radiation dose'.
Topics: Cardiac Imaging Techniques; Cardiology; Child; Female; Heart Diseases; Humans; Informed Consent; Occupational Exposure; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Prenatal Diagnosis; Radiation Dosage; Radiation Injuries; Radiation Protection; Risk Factors; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Unnecessary Procedures
PubMed: 24401558
DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/eht394 -
Radiological Physics and Technology Mar 2023The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a large increase in the number of patients admitted to hospitals. Radiological technologists (RTs) are often required to perform...
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a large increase in the number of patients admitted to hospitals. Radiological technologists (RTs) are often required to perform portable chest X-ray radiography on these patients. Normally, when performing a portable X-ray, radiation protection equipment is critical as it reduces the scatter radiation dose to hospital workers. However, during the pandemic, the use of a lead shield caused a heavy weight burden on workers who were responsible for a large number of patients. This study aimed to investigate scatter radiation doses received at various distances, directions, and positions. Radiation measurements were performed using the PBU-60 whole body phantom to determine scatter radiation doses at 100-200 cm and eight different angles around the phantom. The tests were conducted with and without lead shielding. Additionally, the doses were compared using the paired t test (p < 0.005) to determine suitable positions for workers who did not wear lead protection that adhered to radiation safety requirements. Scatter radiation doses of all 40 tests showed a highest and lowest value of 1285.5 nGy at 100 cm in the anteroposterior (AP) semi upright position and 134.7 nGy at 200 cm in the prone position, respectively. Correlation analysis between the dosimeter measurement and calculated inverse square law showed good correlation, with an R value of 0.99. Without lead shielding, RTs must stay at a distance greater than 200 cm from patients for both vertical and horizontal beams to minimize scatter exposure. This would allow for an alternative way of performing portable chest radiography for COVID-19 patients without requiring lead shielding.
Topics: Humans; Pandemics; COVID-19; Radiography; Radiation Protection; Radiation Dosage; Scattering, Radiation; Phantoms, Imaging
PubMed: 36656425
DOI: 10.1007/s12194-023-00698-2 -
Radiography (London, England : 1995) Jan 2024The fluoroscopy environment poses a potential occupational radiation exposure risk to theatre personnel. Risks can be mitigated with effective application of radiation... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
The fluoroscopy environment poses a potential occupational radiation exposure risk to theatre personnel. Risks can be mitigated with effective application of radiation protection knowledge and methods. This review aimed to determine the link between orthopaedic surgeon's knowledge and the use of appropriate safety methods when using fluoroscopy.
KEY FINDINGS
A keyword search of three databases discovered six articles, totalling 2209 orthopaedic surgeons, who completed surveys to assess knowledge on various aspects of radiation safety and training. Participants had varying levels of experience. Moreover 1981 participants always wore a lead gown (89 %), while only 1052 participants wore thyroid protection (47 %). 449 participants (20 %) received some form of training.
CONCLUSION
Although surveys asked a range of questions it appeared that there was low knowledge of the ALARP principles. Usage of protective equipment is a legal requirement and thus was observed throughout, however, there were a number of incidences of disregarding some protective measures. Although there appeared to be limited knowledge surrounding radiation protection measures and lack of training provided, no clear link was demonstrated between compliance with protective methods and knowledge of the risks.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE
Formal and continuous training should be provided for the enhancement of knowledge to ensure the safety of all staff and help prevent the long-term effects of ionising radiation when using fluoroscopy.
Topics: Humans; Orthopedic Surgeons; Radiation Protection; Radiation Injuries; Fluoroscopy; Orthopedics
PubMed: 38041915
DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2023.11.017 -
Contrast Media & Molecular Imaging 2022The aim of this study was to estimate the exposure dose level of ocular corpuscles during the common interventional procedures of interventional radiology workers. This...
The aim of this study was to estimate the exposure dose level of ocular corpuscles during the common interventional procedures of interventional radiology workers. This article retrospectively analyzed the general instruments and equipment of interventional therapy, the general methods and steps of interventional therapy, and the influence of X-ray of interventional surgery. The related contents of eye protection for interventional radiology workers were summarized. This study found that there was a significant linear correlation between the equivalent dose of lens and the exposure time. The tube voltage, tube current, and the size of fluoroscopic field of vision also have an impact on the radiation of workers during surgical exposure. Interventional surgery is difficult and easy. The exposure time of difficult surgery is relatively long, so the dose received by interventional staff is large. The intervention staff should improve their professional knowledge, be proficient in the operation technology, and try to reduce the exposure without affecting the diagnosis and treatment effect. During the intervention operation, the eye substance of the operator is exposed to a certain dose of radiation, and the wearing rate of protective lead glasses of the intervention staff is very low. Therefore, we must pay attention to the protection of the eyes, strengthen the protection management, and reduce the exposure dose of the intervention staff as much as possible.
Topics: Eye Protective Devices; Humans; Radiation Exposure; Radiation Protection; Radiology, Interventional; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 35965630
DOI: 10.1155/2022/5480409