Modern medicine would not be complete without radiology, an advanced process to diagnose and treat a variety of medical disorders that use ionizing radiation. However, any radiation exposure could pose a risk to patients, doctors, and medical personnel. Hence, in radiology, it is crucial to ensure radiation safety.
In this article, we’ll discuss the aim of radiation safety, the function of radiation protection experts, current medical research, and the significance of performing clinical trials to enhance safety measures.
How is radiation crucial in radiology?
Radiation in the process of radiology makes it possible to produce precise images of the human body that are used to diagnose and treat a variety of medical disorders. Ionizing radiation is used in common radiological techniques like X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and fluoroscopy to obtain high-quality images.
Radiation in radiology is primarily used for diagnostic, treatment planning, and monitoring purposes.
Measures for Radiation Safety
To reduce radiation exposure and the risks that go along with it, radiation safety holds utmost significance. Here are some crucial safety precautions:
In-house committee: A committee of people must be formed in each facility to oversee the radiation safety/quality assurance program. Hospitals will have those divisions that use X-rays for diagnosis. A minimum of one radiologist, the Chief Technologist, one or more QC technologists, a medical physicist, and, if available, a member of the in-house x-ray service or engineering department should make up this committee.
Measurements of radiation output and exposure rate for some X-ray exams: For the benefit of patients and employees, the institution must make available the radiation output measurements for typical radiographic examinations it conducts. When the system is changed in a way that could affect the output, these measurements must be redone.
ALARA principle: As Low As Reasonably Achievable or ALARA is a cornerstone of radiation safety. It places a focus on minimizing radiation exposure doses while gathering the required diagnostic information.
Protective Clothing: To lessen their exposure to dispersed radiation during procedures, healthcare professionals are required to wear lead aprons, thyroid shields, and lead glasses.
Radiation Shielding: To keep radiation under control and safeguard people outside the imaging area, radiology facilities are equipped with lead-lined walls, doors, and obstacles.
Radiation Monitoring: Healthcare personnel are supposed to wear dosimeters to check their radiation exposure levels.
Patient Education: When necessary, lower radiation dose alternatives are taken into account, and patients are informed of the advantages and hazards of radiological procedures.
Equipment evaluation: The operator should verify the mechanical and electrical safety of the x-ray system as well as the indicator dial for malfunction each day during the warm-up of the x-ray generator and before X-raying the first patient. Failures and hazardous situations must be immediately fixed.
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What is the role of a radiation protection advisor?
The Radiation Protection Advisor (RPA) guarantees the health and safety of employees by implementing measures and means of prevention to ensure proper radiation safety. An RPA's responsibility involves educating and training healthcare staff on radiation safety protocols, including proper equipment use and radiation protection measures.
The effectiveness and safety of new radiological procedures, tools, and protocols must be examined in medical trials. These studies aid in ensuring that patients receive the best possible care while reducing radiation risks.
Radiation safety in radiology is a complex subject that necessitates continual consideration and research. Healthcare practitioners may guarantee that radiological operations continue to be a secure and crucial part of contemporary medicine by adhering to strict safety standards and being up-to-date on the most recent developments.
Agilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Limited
