In addition to the individual reporting of occupational doses, the conditions under which workers are exposed to radiation are also monitored with workplace records. Sometimes workplace records must be relied upon to estimate individual doses when a particular employee’s occupational radiation dose record is not available. Workplace records are useful in assessing the effectiveness of the radiation safety program at a facility.
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.
Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mass and increased risk of fractures. The disease is particularly dangerous because it is often “silent.” There are no signs and symptoms while the bone loss occurs in the background. In fact, the condition is typically diagnosed when a significant medical event such as a fragility fracture occurs. Sometimes, even fractures are not recognized clinically (2 out of 3 vertebral fractures are asymptomatic). X-ray techs and DXA operators are in a unique position to recognize osteoporosis fracture risk.