Radiography In Practice Flashcards
What is the radiation protection advisor?
-an external body
-must hold at least a diploma in veterinary radiology
-must hold a certificate of competence from an awarding body
What are radiation protection advisor’s responsibilities?
-advise on radiation protection
-demarcation of the controlled area
-draw up local rules
-draw up written system of work
What is the radiation protection supervisor?
-member of veterinary team
-head vet nurse
-practice manager/practitioner
What are the radiation protection supervisor’s responsibilities?
-to ensure radiography is carried out in accordance with the regulation
-ensure local rules are being followed
Who creates the local rules?
-radiation protection advisor
-everyone in practice involved with radiography given a copy to sign
What does the local rules contain?
-list of everyone able to carry out exposures
-information on equipment
-information on procedures
-information on restriction of access to the controlled area
What are the written system of work?
-part of the local rules
-contains a list of actions to be followed
-displayed in the x-ray room
What are the 4 properties which makes radiography dangerous?
-invisible
-painless
-latent effects
-cumulative (smaller doses constantly is same as one big dose)
What is somatic damage and give examples?
-direct changes in the body tissue
-skin reddening or cracking
-blood disorders
-digestive upset
-cataracts
What is carcinogenic damage and give examples?
-induction of cancer in tissues
-tumours developing in exposed tissues
-leukaemia or skin cancers
What is genetic damage and give examples?
-effects of the gonads
-mutations within the chromosomes of the germ cells
-leads to inherited abnormalities with offspring
What are the 3 sources of radiation?
-tube head
-primary beam
-secondary/scattered radiation
Describe the tube head?
-lead lined
-contains aluminium filter which absorbs soft x-rays
-should never hold or touch during exposure
Describe the primary beam?
-produces high energy x-rays
-light beam diaphragm to help visualise area of exposure
-keep collimation of exposure as small as possible
Describe secondary or scattered radiation?
-produced in all directions when hitting solid object (such as patient, cassette, table, floor, walls)
-low energy and absorbed by PPE
How can secondary or scattered radiation be reduced?
-collimating
-compressing large areas of tissue
-lead backed cassettes
-decreasing exposure factors where possible
What does secondary or scattered radiation cause?
-fogging
-blackening that is unrelated to image
-not a problem with cats or dogs
How can we limit handler exposure?
-ensure handler never places in primary beam
-always collimate beam
-table top should be covered by lead
-stay 2m away from beam when x-rays are in progress
What precautions are taken in the controlled area?
-has thick walls
-labelled with warning notices
-when x-ray in use a light source should be present outside of room
What can be done to ensure safety using the x-ray machine?
-annual service
-beam filtration must be equivalent to at least 2.5mm aluminium
-fitted with collimation device
-table lined with lead
What details should be logged after x-ray?
-exposure date
-patient identity
-view
-exposure factors
-means of restraint
-image quality
-if manual restraint was used
What personal protective equipment is available?
-film dose meter
-thermoluminescent dose meter
-lead apron
-lead gloves
-thyroid protector
-lead screens
What does the dose meter do?
-monitors radiation in x-ray room
-worn on trunk beneath apron
-worn only by person whom it is issued to
-can be placed in x-ray room to monitor wall function
Describe structure of the film dose meter?
-contains small piece of film
-has small filers to allow assessment of type of radiation to which badge has been exposed
Describe structure of thermoluminescent dose meter?
-contains radiosensitive lithium fluoride crystals
-on exposure electrons in crystals are rearranged
-storing energy
Describe the lead apron?
-minimum thickness of 0.25mm
-should cover trunk to mid thigh
Describe the lead gloves?
-minimum thickness is 0.35mm
-should never be present within primary beam
Describe the thyroid protector?
-minimum thickness of 0.5mm
-worn tight around the neck
How can PPE be checked?
-correct storage (hanging or laying flat)
-check for no obvious damage
-inspect before each use
-should be x-rayed at least every year
What patient positioning equipment is available?
-sandbags (show up on x-ray)
-ties (only used when under GA)
-cradles (show up on x-ray)
-foam wedges (don’t show up on x-ray)
