Therefore, we do not allow significant others in the imaging room when we are using ionizing radiation for imaging. ALARA principles are very important to our team, as is reducing exposure to excess scatter radiation for our patients. We take matters relating to radiation exposure extremely seriously. Distance: Increasing the distance between the patient and the radiation source will reduce exposure by the distance squared.Īt Insight Medical Imaging, our top priority is the safety of our patients and staff.Time: Minimizing the time of radiation exposure will reduce the radiation dose.As dictated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons and the Alberta College of Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists, the governing bodies for radiologists and technologists in Alberta, there are three ALARA safety measures to focus on: In other words, patients and staff should not be exposed to radiation without a concrete medical or diagnostic purpose. A small dose of radiation that has no related benefit should be avoided, no matter how small the exposure. What is ALARA?ĪLARA is an acronym that stands for “as low as reasonably achievable.” The point of ALARA is to minimize radiation exposure. Whether it is a staff member, patient, or anyone visiting our clinic, we preach ALARA at Insight Medical Imaging. We also make all staff members wear radiation dosimeters, so we can monitor exposure levels throughout their career. Some exams have protective lead aprons and thyroid collars, while other exams require staff to stand a certain distance away from the imaging equipment, in what is called the “safety zone,” where scatter radiation is negligible. Our technologists perform thousands of exams per year, so it is imperative we provide them with the correct equipment, procedural requirements, and safety guidelines. How do Technologists Deal With it?Īt Insight Medical Imaging, safety is a top priority. To protect our patients from scatter radiation, we provide safety items, such as lead vests, which act as a barrier, preventing the radiation from hitting other parts of your body, such as reproductive organs. For example, a spinal CT scan of a patient weighing 200 pounds will require more radiation strength than a chest X-ray of a 70-pound adolescent. Radiation strength varies depending on what body part is being examined, the size and weight of the patient, and the type of exam. Whenever we are exposing our patients to radiation, we take precautionary steps to ensure they are receiving the lowest possible dose of radiation necessary to produce high-quality images. What Does it Mean for Me as a Patient?Īs a patient, our goal is to perform your diagnostic imaging exam to the best of our ability and provide your doctor with the necessary information so you can get on the road to recovery as soon as possible. Fear of radiation exposure should not keep you from necessary diagnostic imaging exams, but that is why the benefits outweigh the risks only for the patient who needs the exam. Note that the strength of scatter radiation is much lower than the primary radiation beam. Common forms of diagnostic imaging that produce scatter radiation at Insight Medical Imaging include CT imaging, fluoroscopy, X-ray, mammography, bone mineral densitometry, and body composition analysis. What is Scatter Radiation?Īs defined by the National Cancer Institute, scatter radiation is secondary radiation that spreads in different directions from a beam when that beam interacts with any substance, such as body tissue, a wall, or a table. However, this policy is in place for a specific safety reason: preventing unnecessary exposure to scatter radiation. The technologist informs you that your partner is not allowed into the actual X-ray room, leaving you frustrated and confused. Seeing as how you have just injured your leg, you are stressed and in pain, and you ask if your partner can accompany you into the room for your imaging exam. Once it’s your turn, a technologist will greet you and invite you to go in for your scan. Since X-ray imaging is provided as a walk-in service, you may need to wait for a few other patients before it is your turn. When you arrive at Insight Medical Imaging, you are greeted and checked in by one of our receptionists. You have been informed that you need to bring your Alberta Health card, photo identification, and medical requisition form provided by your doctor to your appointment. Picture this scenario: you’ve just injured your leg and, upon seeking medical attention, your doctor has recommended you get an X-ray.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |