5. AI Radiation Physics Flashcards
What is the primary role of healthcare scientists in radiation physics?
To ensure safety of staff, patients, and the public, and optimize imaging equipment settings
This includes quality control and patient dosimetry.
What are the essential features of quality control (QC) tests?
- Repeatable
- Relatable
- Quick (ideally)
- Easy to analyse
These features help ensure the reliability and efficiency of testing.
Why is consistent positioning of the test object or detector crucial in equipment testing?
To ensure that results are repeatable
Inconsistent positioning can lead to unreliable test results.
What does the CT dose report assess regarding x-ray output?
- Quality: Shape of the x-ray spectrum
- Quantity: Number of x-ray photons
Both quality and quantity are influenced by factors such as tube current, anode material, tube potential (kVp), and filtration.
What factors affect the quality and quantity of x-ray output?
- Tube current (mA)
- Anode material
- Tube potential (kVp)
- Filtration
These factors are essential for determining the effectiveness of x-ray imaging.
What does beam alignment and collimator accuracy test involve?
Ensuring that the light beam and radiation beam are properly aligned
This is critical for accurate imaging.
What are the common image quality parameters in most imaging systems?
- Beam positioning / Slice thickness
- Uniformity
- Noise
- Resolution
These parameters help assess the overall quality of the images produced.
Define contrast resolution in imaging.
The ability to distinguish between differences in image contrast
This is crucial for identifying subtle variations in tissue.
What makes a good phantom in imaging?
- Mimics the human body closely
- Reflects patient images accurately
- Stable
- Easy to handle/transport
Good phantoms are essential for effective testing of imaging systems.
What are stochastic effects in patient dosimetry?
Random effects that may occur after exposure to radiation, such as cancer risk
These effects are particularly concerning in sensitive populations like children.
What are deterministic effects in radiation exposure?
Effects that have a threshold and become more severe with increasing dose, such as skin burns
Unlike stochastic effects, deterministic effects are predictable based on dose.
What role do software phantoms play in radiation physics?
Used to calculate risk associated with radiation exposure
They are computer models that simulate human tissue for dose estimation.
What is the purpose of patient dosimetry?
To estimate radiation dose and assess risk to patients
This is essential for informed consent and optimizing procedures.
True or False: Quality control of equipment is a part of radiation physics.
True
Quality control ensures that imaging equipment operates safely and effectively.
Fill in the blank: The _______ of x-ray output refers to the shape of the x-ray spectrum.
[quality]
Quality is essential for assessing the effectiveness of imaging.
