With the rising use of Computed Tomography (CT) in diagnostic radiology, there are concerns regarding radiation exposure to sensitive groups, including pregnant patients. Accurately determining the radiation dose to the fetus during CT scans is essential to balance diagnostic efficacy with patient safety. This study assessed the accuracy of using the female uterus as a surrogate for fetal radiation dose during CT imaging.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThis case report investigates the radiation dose received by a paediatric patient with a ventricular assist device who underwent four non-contrast brain computed tomography (CT) scans, two brain perfusion CT scans and two head angiographic CT scans. The total estimated absorbed dose to the lens of the eye is above the 500 mGy radiation-induced cataract threshold. It is recommended that this patient and those with similar imaging histories have routine follow-up with an ophthalmologist.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjectives: Fluoroscopically guided procedures utilize ionizing radiation to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of the patient. The use of ionizing radiation is not without risk to the operator and other staff members present during endoscopic procedures. This study simulates radiation exposure during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedures under different shielded conditions and provides practical radiation safety recommendations, through easy-to-use visual guides.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: The World Health Organisation declared the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) a pandemic on March 11, 2020. While globally, the relative caseload has been high, Australia's has been relatively low. During the pandemic, radiology services have seen significant changes in workflow across modalities and a reduction in imaging volumes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: The use of ionising radiation results in occupational exposure to medical imaging professionals, requiring routine monitoring. This study aims to assess the effect of increased utilisation of mobile X-ray units, mobile imaging of non-routine body regions and radiographer work practice changes for impact on staff radiation dose during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: A retrospective analysis of general radiology departments across two metropolitan hospitals was performed.
Computed tomography fluoroscopy is now the preferred technique for percutaneous lung biopsies. However, concern regarding operator and patient radiation dose remains, which warrants further exploration into dose optimisation tools. This phantom-study aims to assess the dose reduction capabilities of RADPAD, a single-use patient drape designed to decrease staff exposure to scattered radiation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe increasing utilization of computed tomography scans exposes patients to significant amounts of radiation. One of the factors that can result in unnecessary radiation dose is scanning beyond the clinically indicated anatomical region. This study aims to assess the optimization in overscan frequency, scan length, and radiation dose following targeted educational talks aimed to address a routinely over scanned protocol; the computed tomography Neck.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFVideofluoroscopic swallowing studies expose both the patients and the staff to ionising radiation. Although the radiation exposure is considered low compared to other diagnostic procedures, it is still prudent to keep the radiation dose as low as reasonably achievable. This review aims to summarise the latest literature pertaining to staff and patient radiation dose, as well as to make evidence-based recommendations on dose optimisation strategies.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: Coronary angiogram, while a powerful diagnostic tool in coronary artery disease, is not without an associated risk from ionising radiation. There are a number of factors that influence the amount of radiation the patient receives during the procedure, some of which are under the control of the operator. One of these is an adjustment of the fluoroscopic pulse rate.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Med Imaging Radiat Oncol
June 2018
Following nuclear medicine scans a patient can be a source of radiation exposure to the hospital staff, including sonographers. Sonographers are not routinely monitored for occupational radiation exposure as they do not commonly interact with radioactive patients or other sources of ionizing radiation. This review aims to find evidence relating to the risk and amount of radiation the sonographer is exposed to from nuclear medicine patients.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAdverse health effects of radiation exposure to staff in cardiac catheterisation laboratories have been well documented in the literature. Examples include increased risk of cataracts as well as possible malignancies. These risks can be partly mitigated by reducing scatter radiation exposure to staff during diagnostic and interventional cardiac procedures.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAlthough the exposure to nursing staff is generally lower than the allowable radiation worker dose limits, awareness and overcoming fears of radiation exposure is essential in order to perform routine activities in certain departments. Furthermore, the nursing staff, whether they are defined as radiation workers or not, must be able to respond to any radiological emergencies and provide care to any patient affected by radiation. This study aims to gauge the awareness of radiation safety among the nursing staff at a major hospital in different departments and recommend if further radiation safety training is required.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: The large number of diagnostic procedures undertaken in emergency departments (ED) is vital to the early diagnosis and treatment of patients. The use of ionising radiation in diagnosis adds a lifetime attributable risk (LAR) of cancer depending on the region imaged, the frequency of imaging, and dose per exposure.
Aims: This pilot study aims to assess the degree of radiation awareness amongst ED doctors at major metropolitan and regional health services in Australia, in terms of the dose and risks associated with common imaging.
J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol
October 2015
Introduction: This study aimed to raise awareness around the increased effective dose as scan length chosen is increased from standard protocol
Methods: The Monte Carlo-based software CT-Expo (G. Stamm (Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany) and H.D.