Radiologic Technologist Blog
For the purpose of radiation safety, healthcare worker classification is divided into two categories – those who directly work with radiation and those who do not directly work with radiation but may be exposed to it. Occupational dose limits apply to workers who directly perform radiation work. Hospital employees who do not directly perform radiation work are treated like members of the general public in terms of restricting exposure.
Bone density testing is an important tool in the management of osteoporosis. Several different radiological modalities are available to measure bone density. Although each one has its own advantages and disadvantages, DXA is the most widely used. However, there are certain DXA scan errors that DXA operators and general radiographers should be aware of.
As in childhood and adolescence, the role of physical activity in bone health is important throughout the adult years as well. Healthcare providers should promote physical activity in all adults according to their capabilities. In addition to healthy bones, regular physical activity is beneficial in maintaining an optimum body weight. It also improves muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness. It keeps metabolic parameters in check. Resistance training and weight-bearing impact activities have been demonstrated to be especially beneficial to skeletal health. Examples of bone-healthy physical activities include walking, jogging, running, jumping, climbing stairs, lifting weights, racquet sports, soccer, dancing, and hiking.
Radiologic technologists should be aware that children are not merely small adults and that imaging pediatric patients requires certain special techniques. In fact, children have been the subject of many landmark events in medical ethics. Children undergoing radiographic imaging require special consideration not only because of their small size but also because they are more sensitive than adults to the adverse effects of ionizing radiation. In addition, children have a longer remaining lifespan during which the effects of radiation exposure can manifest. Therefore, adherence to the ALARA philosophy is critical during pediatric digital imaging.
Bone health is a pressing issue in America and around the world. It needs to be addressed with a preventive approach with the early institution of interventions. There is a need for healthcare providers to understand the importance of bone health as a public health issue. The goal is to promote strong bones in the American population so that fractures and their associated complications can be prevented. In this article we provide a brief overview of how bone health is an important public health issue.
In this article we talk about bone densitometry radiation dose and the techniques that radiologic technologists can apply to reduce it. The two key principles in patient radiation protection are justification and optimization. Justification implies that any X-ray exposure is justified clinically. It means the examinations that will not affect the patient’s care are avoided. Once an examination is justified, optimization consists of activities that reduce bone densitometry radiation dose. This means delivery of the smallest possible dose to the patient.