Unit 306 Flashcards
The current ionising radiation regulations
To ensure radiation is used safely within a healthcare setting.
To protect patients from harm when being exposed and staff.
Health and safety executive
What staff member shouldn`t be exposed to any radiation?
Pregnant staff member
Ionising radiation - examples
- radiation levels kept as low as possible
- current dose limit 1msv (0.1 rem)
Ionising radiation (medical exposure) regulations IRMER
Employers should be available to an operator, diagnostic reference levels and undertake appropriate reviews if they are exceeded.
Deals with exposure to patients for medical and non-medical procedures.
IRMER why is it known as medical exposure and why was it put in place?
within healthcare work places and based in a medical field.
Put in place to reduce the amount of radiation exposure and therefore decreasing the harmful affects.
Local rules
When working in a workplace that uses radiation daily it is important to read the current safety rules.
How far from the X-ray beam should you stand?
At least 2 meters away - radiation is reduced by distance
How many years is it for an x-ray machine to be checked professionally?
routine quality assurance test completed every 3 years.
CRITICAL EXAMINATION
Radiation protection file
contains all of the local rules and written procedures by HSE
where is the radiation protection file stored?
Locked cupboard
Primary beam and risks
Ionising radiation
Significant hazard
severe radiation burns
Scatter radiation and risks
secondary radiation where the beam crosses an object causing it to scatter.
skin damage
eye injury
increased risk of cancer
Absorption by the patient and risks
When radiation begins to absorb into our bodies it can lead to damage of the molecular structures and possibly cause harm.
Skin burns
Hair loss
increased risk of cancer
equipment failure and risks
Protective equipment of the x-ray machine, switch, plastic shield.
If equipment breaks it needs to be replaced urgently
over exposure throughout the day for patients, nurses and dentists.
Accidental exposure and risks
increased risk of an induced malignancy
Risks depend on the quality and amount of dose radiation
Affect organs, or possibly skin burns, skin cancer, eye injuries
Bitewings
Taken every 2 years check the left and right side of the teeth.
Tend to show the whole tooth and bone levels
Periapical
Target a specific area of the mouth, emergency appointments
Shows the entire tooth plus 3-4mm beyond the apices.
Panoramic Radiographs
X-ray of the whole mouth
Used after trauma, implants, orthodontics.
Main reason for taking a OPG for a child is to check everything is growing correctly.
People who have strong gag reflexes
Radiographic image grading process
Graded by the radiograph quality to ensure all images are of a goof quality to diagnose correctly
List the 3 grades of radiographic grading process
- excellent quality - no errors (70%)
- diagnostically acceptable - some errors however still can see the image enough. (20%)
- Unacceptable - must be retaken unable to diagnose (10%)
Step wedge test
Determine the amount of radiation reaching the film.
IRMER operator requirements
Contains information on how to deal with exposure to patients for medical and non-medical procedures
What is Lead foil?
Inside an x-ray package
Purpose is to reduce the back scattered radiation that degrades the image quality.
Intensifying screen in an extra - oral cassette
Used during an extra oral radiograph
Decreases exposure time and improve resolution
