What is Fluoroscopy?
A technique that uses X-rays to obtain real-time moving images of the interior of a patient.
What is a common fluoroscopic procedure?
Swallow Study
Why are we interested in radiation protection?
To prevent harm from radiation while ensuring benefits outweigh risks.
List 4 types of Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR).
- Radiowaves
- Microwaves
- Infrared
- Visible light
Define Radiation.
Transfer of energy emitted and transferred through space.
Define Exposed (irradiated).
Matter that intercepts radiation and absorbs some or all of it.
Define ionization or ionizing radiation.
Removal of an electron from an atom.
List the forms of EMR that can ionize matter.
- X-rays
- Gamma Rays
- High energy UV (UVC)
List two main categories of Ionizing Radiation.
- Natural
- Environmental
Describe types of natural Radiation.
- Cosmic Radiation
- Terrestrial Radiation
- Internally Deposited Radionuclides
What is Radon?
A gas produced by the natural decay of uranium, a major source of natural radiation.
List types of man-made radiation.
- Diagnostic X-rays
- Nuclear power generators
- Research applications
- Industrial sources
- Smoke detectors
Discuss the discovery of X-rays.
X-rays were discovered by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen in 1895.
What were early reports of radiation injury?
- Skin damage
- Loss of hair
- Anemia
Define a filter in radiation context.
A device that removes low-energy X-ray photons with no diagnostic value.
Define Collimator.
A device that restricts the useful beam to the area being imaged.
What are the Ten Commandments of Radiation Protection?
- Control Time, Distance, Shielding
- Do not let familiarity result in false security
- Never stand in the primary beam
- Always wear protective apparel
- Always use an occupational radiation monitor
- Never hold a patient during an exam
- The holder must wear an apron
- Use gonadal shielding for childbearing age persons
- Avoid pelvic exams on pregnant patients when possible
- Collimate to the smallest field size.
What does ALARA stand for?
As Low As Reasonably Achievable.
Describe the Cardinal Principles of Radiation Protection.
- Time
- Distance
- Shielding
What are iso exposure lines?
Standard set by The international organization for standardization (ISO) that represents sensitivity to light as a number.
What is an OSL dosimeter?
Optically Stimulated Luminescence dosimeter that monitors accumulated radiation dose.
List several ways of reducing unnecessary patient dose.
- Mass Screening for Tuberculosis
- Hospital Admission Chest X-Rays
- Pre-Employment Physicals
- Emergency Room CT
Discuss x-rays and pregnancy.
Exposure effects are time and dose related, with major organogenesis occurring at 2-10 weeks.
What are current estimated levels of human radiation exposure?
3.2 mSv
