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VN02 > Introduction to Radiography and Health and Safety > Flashcards

Introduction to Radiography and Health and Safety Flashcards

1
Q

Define an x-ray.

A

A type of electromagnetic radiation .

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2
Q

What are photons?

A

Parcels of energy X-rays are produced in.

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3
Q

What is the primary beam composed of?

A

Photons of xrays.

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4
Q

Define a radiograph.

A

An image made using xrays.

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5
Q

What is ionising radiation?

A

Radiation that
carries enough energy to knock electrons from atoms or molecules, thereby ionising
them.

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6
Q

What can ionising radiation do to living cells?

A

Damage them. Can die or become cancerous.

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7
Q

Define wavelength.

A

Distance between 1 wave peak and the next.

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8
Q

Define frequency.

A

The number of waves per second.

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9
Q

Why are the dangers of x-rays underestimated?

A

Invisible
* Painless
* The effects are latent
* The effects are cumulative

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10
Q

Define somatic effects of radiation

A

This is direct damage that occurs very soon after exposure
It affects rapidly dividing cells Eg skin, gut, bone marrow (+ tumour cells)

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11
Q

What are the clinical signs of somatic effects?

A

skin reddening and cracking
loss of hair
bone marrow depression
vomiting and diarrhoea - leading to dehydration
cataract formation
foetus damage

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12
Q

Define carcinogenic effects of radiation.

A

Induction of cancer due to DNA mutations.

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13
Q

How quickly do carcinogenic effects take to develop?

A

There is a latent period.

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14
Q

Define genetic effects of radiation.

A

The germ cells (sperm + ova) of breeding animals can be affected.

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15
Q

What can genetic effects of radiation lead to?

A

Infertility or abnormalities in the young.

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16
Q

Name two sources of radiation hazards.

A

Primary x-ray beam and scatter radiation.

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17
Q

What should happen if there is leakage from the x-ray tube head?

A

This should be checked by an engineer.
To be on the safe side, NEVER hold or touch the tube head during an exposure.

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18
Q

Explain inadequate beam filtration.

A

The window of the X-ray tube head contains an aluminium filter to remove ‘soft’ Xrays which contribute to the radiation hazard to the patient.
The thickness of the aluminium filter depends on the kV potential of the X-ray tube
head. This will also be checked by the engineer.

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19
Q

How can collimation be tested?

A

Place 2 coins with their edges touching - one inside the light + one in shadow on
each of the four sides of the beam
Make the exposure, and check accuracy

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20
Q

How should you collimate?

A

Collimate as tightly as possible
around the area under observation. This also improves the quality of the radiograph.
The X-ray beam size must not exceed the size of the film or cassette, therefore on a
good radiograph you should see all 4 edges.

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21
Q

Can a part of any person ever enter the primary beam if covered by protective clothing?

A

No

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22
Q

How is scattered radiation produced?

A

This is produced due to the interaction of X-rays with the patient or other matter, and
can occur in any direction. It is of hazard both to the patient and the operator.

23
Q

How can you minimise the risk of scattered radiation?

A

o Stand as far away as possible from
the patient, at least 2m
o Collimate well
o Use lead backed cassette
o Use intensifying screens
o Wear protective clothing

24
Q

What is radiation-protective clothing made out of?

A

Usually consists of rubber impregnated with lead.

25
Q

What type of radiation protective clothing is there?

A

Aprons, gloves, sleeves, and thyroid protectors.

26
Q

What does radiation protective clothing protect against?

A

Only against scatter, not the primary beam.

27
Q

By how much does radiation-protective clothing decrease the primary beam?

A

To 25% of its original strength.

28
Q

By how much does radiation protective clothing decrease scattered radiation to?

A

To 5% of its original strength.

29
Q

Who should lead aprons be worn by?

A

Anyone present in the x-ray room during an exposure.

30
Q

How should lead aprons look?

A

Should have a front and back and reach at least thigh length.

31
Q

How should you store lead aprons and why?

A

Never folded, could cause cracking in the lead.

32
Q

How thick should lead be in an apron?

A

At least 0.25mm

33
Q

How thick should lead be in gloves and sleeves?

A

It should be at least 0.35mm.

34
Q

How thick should the lead be in gloves and sleeves for equine radiography?

A

0.50mm

35
Q

What do thyroid protectors protect?

A

The thyroid gland.

36
Q

How often should protective clothing be radiographed?

A

Annually.

37
Q

Name 4 points to remember in regard to dosemeters.

A

o Wear dosemeter on trunk under lead gown
o Must only be worn by the individual to whom the badge is issued
o Must not be left in X-ray room when not being worn.
o Do not expose to heat or sunlight

38
Q

What are the two types of dosemeter badge?

A

Film badges and thermo-luminescent dosemeters (TLDs)

39
Q

What is a film badge?

A

Contains small pieces of xray film.

40
Q

What is a thermo-luminescent dosemeter?

A

contains radiation-sensitive lithium fluoride crystals.

41
Q

Who can you acquire dosemeter badges from?

A

The Health Protection Agency (HPA), or another dosimetry service provider.

42
Q

How often should dosimeters be sent back for readings?

A

Eveery 1-3 months

43
Q

What legislation applies to xrays?

A

Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999

44
Q

How long should dosimetry records be kept as per IRR99?

A

50 years, or until the person would have reached 75.

44
Q

In 2017, how was the IRR99 updated?

A

To keep dosimetry records to not less than 30 years after the last day of work.

45
Q

What does MPD stand for?

A

Maximum Permissible Dose

46
Q

What are the MPDs for an employee over 18 years?

A

Whole body - 20 mSv
Individual organs - 500 mSv

47
Q

What are the MPDs for an employee 16-18 years?

A

Whole body - 6 mSv
Individual organs - 150 mSv

48
Q

What does mSv refer to?

A

milliSievert

49
Q

What is an RPA?

A

Radiation Protection Advisor. External person, with specific qualifications in radiography.

50
Q

What is an RPS?

A

Radiation Protection Supervisor. Member of the practice who is responsible in ensuring radiography is carried out in accordance with the Local Rules.

51
Q

What does ALARP stand for?

A

As low as reasonably practicable.

52
Q

What is a controlled area?

A

In practice the controlled area is generally the zone a 2m radius around the primary
beam, but the exact area is determined by the RPA. Rather than demarcate an area
within a room, generally the whole room would be designated as the controlled area.

53
Q
A

VN02 (17 decks)

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