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Tag: radiation safety

Radiation Safety Program and the X-ray Tech’s Role

radiation safety program

The policies and procedures that ensure the safe use of X-ray equipment at healthcare facilities are collectively called the radiation safety program. The program lists the authorized users of X-ray equipment. Also, safe practices necessary to ensure radiation protection are outlined. Guidelines for the protection of pregnant patients, pregnant staff, and females of childbearing age are included in the radiation safety program. The program also outlines the necessary education and training of radiation workers. Besides, it provides recommendations for effective monitoring of staff exposure (dosimetry). Last but not least, the radiation safety program establishes a maintenance schedule for X-ray equipment.

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Essential Steps for Radiologic Technologists to Ensure Radiation Safety

Radiologic technologist radiation safety

Everyone wants to be safe. Although we hear these things a thousand times, it never hurts to have a helpful reminder. So here are some of the essential steps for radiologic technologists to ensure radiation safety. RTs must complete these steps during medical imaging of patients in order to ensure the safety of their patients, coworkers, and themselves. It is noteworthy that special precautions may be needed for pregnant X-ray techs.

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Diagnostic Reference Levels and Other Metrics

diagnostic reference levels

Any individual who undergoes a medical imaging examination is subject to the benefits as well as the risks of the examination. Each individual is unique, with a unique body habitus, health status, and medical needs. Because of the wide variety and complexity of medical conditions, dose limits cannot be set for medical exposures. However, the average radiation exposure associated with a diagnostic or interventional procedure can be used to assess whether the dose received by the patient is within acceptable range. In other words, estimated exposure levels for different examinations help to highlight any substantial variation from the expected value. Certain metrics such as diagnostic reference levels make this possible.

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Radiation Monitoring Devices for Healthcare Workers

radiation monitoring

Radiation is used in digital radiographic imaging departments to diagnose and treat a vast number of medical conditions. The benefits of radiation in diagnostic imaging are beyond dispute, but ionizing radiation can be harmful to the human body. For this reason, radiation monitoring devices are critical. A number of detection devices have been developed to calculate the radiation exposure received by an individual and to detect the amount of radiation present in the environment or on surfaces (contamination).

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