chapter 1 EXAM 1 Flashcards
what are the cardinal principles of radiation protection
time
distance
shielding
what is the most effective means of protection
Distance, but using all 3 is the best
xrays are a form of what kind of radiation
ionizing radiation
consequences of ionization in human cells
- unstable atoms
- free electrons
- low energy xray photons
- free radicals capable of producing poisonous substances to the cell
- creation of new biologic molecules harmful to cell
- injury to the cell that may cause abnormal or loss of function
what are the 4 things radiographers do to minimize damage to biologic tissue
- be educated in safe operation of equipment
- use protective devices when possible
- follow established procedures
- select optimal technique factors
radiation safety is the responsibility of who
the imaging personnel
radiation protection
the effective measures employed by radiation workers to safeguard pts. personnel and general public from unnecessary exposure to ionizing radiation
what are the 2 main adverse biologic effects
cancer and genetic defects
diagnostic efficacy
the degree to which the diagnostic study accurately reveals the presence or absence of disease in the pt.
basis for determining whether an imaging procedure or practice is justified.
diagnostic efficacy =
imaging procedure/practice justified by physician—–minimal radiation exposure ——> optimal images produced —-> presence or absence of disease shown
T or F
radiation induced cancer follows a non-threshold response so radiation exposures should always be kept ALARA
True
meaning there is no dose that is safe. any exposure has ppotential to cause biologic damage
ALARA is synonymous with the term
ORP
Optimization for Radiation Protection
what is they international term for ALARA
ORP
what to do to reduce dose to the patient
reduce amount of beam on time
use as much distance between tube and pt.
use appropriate sheilding
what to do to reduce dose to personnel
reduce time spent in the room during exposures
increase distance from the beam
use lead shielding between radiographer and machine
employers responsibility
implement and maintain effective radiation safety program to execute ALARA
provide written policy statement
have a radiation safety officer manage ALARA program
perform periodic exposure audits
workers responsibility
be aware of radiation safety rules
perform duties consistent with ALARA
RSO is
radiation safety officer
risk
probability of injury ailment or death resulting from an activity
for radiation sciences the risk after irradiation is including
radiogenic carcinoma genetic defects (heritable effects)
when patients ask are xrays safe
tell patients that for normal diagnostic exams there are no existing data of nay unsafe effects from the xrays used in the exam
when patients ask about the amount of radiation
more difficult to answer
the dose is measured in a bunch of different units and patients have a hard time comprehending. so use BERT
what does BERT stand for
Background Equivalent Radiation Time
what is BERT
method to help educate and reduce patient’s fear and anxietty about the dose received for xray exams
who recommends BERT
the NCRP national council for radiation protection
what does BERT do
compares radiation received from a specific xray exam with natural background radiation received over a given period of time
BERT is based on
annual US population exposure
what is the annual US population exposure that BERT is based on
3 mSv/year
300 mrem/year
advantages of BERT
its a means for comparison
emphasizes that radiation is an innate part of our environment
easy for patient to comprehend
what state was the first to adopt laws specific to recording tracking and reporting radiation dose to the patient and referring physician
California
what does TRACE stand for
Tools for Radiation Awareness and Community Education
what is the TRACE program
designed to help patients and the community understand the safe use of radiation and to become more active participants in their own healthcare
what are the main components of the TRACE program
1 embedded software capable or recording and reporting dose
2 timely notification of referring physician and pt. when radiation dose is greater than 3 Gy
3 lowering CT doses through improved technology and alterations to existing protocols
2 phases of the TRACE program
- formulating new policies and procedures to promote radiation safety and the implementation of patient and community education
- technologic enhancements
phase 1 of TRACE program
what can we do to educate pts./community
informational posters
brochures
basic info on a website for pt. education
phase 1 of TRACE program
what can we do to educate imaging staff
in service education
handing out facts to remember sheets
E-mails highlighting important topics
phase 2 of TRACE program
what can we do
acquire CT dose reduction technology
utilize tools for recording and reporting dose
providing notification for excessive radiation dose
what is the end result of the TRACE program
reduction in dose to patient
