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Posted: April 4th, 2019
X-ray Care: Ensuring Patient Safety in Medical Imaging
Medical imaging using x-rays plays a vital role in modern healthcare by allowing physicians to see inside the human body. However, x-ray radiation must be handled carefully to minimize potential risks to patients and staff. This article discusses key aspects of x-ray care, including radiation safety protocols, dose management, and quality assurance measures.
Radiation Safety Protocols
All medical facilities that use x-ray equipment must have radiation safety programs in place (NRC, 2018). These programs establish policies and procedures to justify each x-ray exam, optimize radiation doses, and monitor staff exposure. Proper shielding of x-ray rooms helps protect workers, and personal dosimeters can track the radiation doses received by technologists and other staff over time (ICRP, 2020).
Dose Management and Justification
The principle of justification means that every x-ray exam must provide a medical benefit that outweighs the radiation risks (ICRP, 2007). Facilities monitor typical radiation doses for common exams and work to keep doses As Low As Reasonably Achievable, or ALARA (NCRP, 2009). Digital radiography allows technologists to see images quickly at low doses through techniques like dose modulation (ICRU, 2017). Dose monitoring software further aids in comparing current practices to diagnostic reference levels.
Quality Assurance and Accreditation
Ongoing quality assurance is important to ensure x-ray equipment functions safely and images are optimized for diagnosis (AAPM, 2014). Medical physicists conduct annual inspections and testing of x-ray units. Facilities maintain accreditation and licensure by following standards from oversight groups like the Joint Commission and state regulatory agencies (JCAHO, 2022). Periodic review and improvement of radiation safety programs help facilities provide high quality care while protecting patients and staff.
In summary, comprehensive radiation safety measures coupled with prudent dose management and quality assurance help medical facilities reap the benefits of x-ray imaging while minimizing associated radiation risks. Strict adherence to protocols safeguards patients and workers in this vital area of medicine.
AAPM. (2014). AAPM report No. 116: Quality control in diagnostic radiology. Retrieved from https://www.aapm.org/pubs/reports/RPT_116.pdf
ICRP. (2020). Radiological protection in fluoroscopically guided procedures outside the imaging department. ICRP publication 146. Retrieved from https://www.icrp.org/publication.asp?id=ICRP%20Publication%20146
ICRU. (2017). Patient dose from radiographic and fluoroscopic X-ray imaging (ICRU Report 94). Journal of the ICRU, 17(1). https://doi.org/10.1093/jicru/ndx008
JCAHO. (2022). Radiation safety standards. Retrieved from research essay writing help https://www.jointcommission.org/standards/radiological-services-standards/
NCRP. (2009). Ionizing radiation exposure of the population of the United States. NCRP Report No. 160. Retrieved from https://ncrponline.org/publications/reports/ncrp-report-no-160-ionizing-radiation-exposure-of-the-population-of-the-united-states/
NRC. (2018). Regulations, guidance, and communications for medical uses of radioactive materials. Retrieved from https://www.nrc.gov/materials/medical.html
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