What is fluoroscopy?
What specialities and procedures is it used for?
The method of creating x-ray images in rapid succession that gives a real time moving video
What are the components of a fluoroscopic system?
How does fluoroscopy work?
What are some common examples of uses of fluoroscopy?
What are the 4 roles of the fluoro, cardio or IR radiographer?
What to remember about radiation safety in fluoroscopy?
4 methods of dose reduction?
methods of dose reduction:
- time
- distance
- shielding
- pulsed fluoroscopy
What are 4 methods of improving image quality in fluoroscopy?
How do collimators help in fluoroscopy?
What does copper filtration do?
How is magnification helpful?
Effect on dose?
What are the benefits and limitations of continuous fluoroscopy?
Benefits
- real time imaging: of moving organs and procedures
- smooth visualisation: uninterrupted imaging
- immediate detection: of anatomical changes or abnormalities
Limitations
- higher radiation dose: to patients and staff due to constant x-ray emission
- risk of overexposure: if not carefully managed, risk of radiation-related complications
What are the benefits and limitations of pulsed fluoroscopy?
Benefits
- reduced radiation dose: short bursts of x-ray emission
- lower heat generation: longer procedures without overheating x-ray tube
- optimised image quality: balances dose reduction with clear imaging
Limitations
- temporal gaps: intermittent images, may miss fast-moving objects/processes
- reduced motion detail: less effective for procedures requiring continuous motion analysis
- potential artefacts: due to temporal gaps, which may affect image quality
What are the key documents?
What is important to remember in terms of safety?
What are the regulations and rules to follow for the radiographer?
Why are lead aprons important?
What 3 things must you ensure about them?
1) correct fit: cover necessary areas (long bones)
2) storage: stored properly, racks and hangers to maintain shape, otherwise -> cracks, weak points in lead lining, reducing effectiveness
3) inspection: regular inspection and testing - so no signs of wear or damage to compromise their shielding effectiveness.
REFERRAL GUIDELINES
- what should referrals be based on?
- what are SOPs?
- what are PGDs?
- why are protocols important?
DOSE LIMITATION
- what are the protocols in regards to ‘occupational exposures’ (staff)
- what are the protocols in regards to ‘public exposures’ (public)
RADIATION MEASUREMENT/DOSE
- what is Dose Area Product (DAP)?
- what is Air Kerma?
- what is Peak Skin Dose (PSD)?
EQUIPMENT STANDARDS
- why must fluoroscopy equipment be well-maintained?
- why is quality assurance (QA) important?
What sort of training is required for staff in fluoroscopy?
What is patient consent and why is it done?
What are the benefits of flat panel detectors in fluoroscopy?
What are the types of flat panel detectors?
INDIRECT FPDs
- scintillator (e.g. caesium iodide) - converts x-rays into visible light
- photodiode: converts light into electrical signals
DIRECT FPDs
- photoconductor (e.g. amorphous selenium) - converts x-rays directly into electrical charges
- provides BETTER spatial resolution than indirect FPDs