Prevalence of Radioactive Signals from Surveillance of an Emergency Department

2006 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 276-281
Author(s):  
Frank Guyette ◽  
Joe Suyama ◽  
Jerry Rosen ◽  
Michael Allswede
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Background Radiation ◽  
Radiation Detector ◽  
Healthcare Setting ◽  
Radiation Detectors ◽  
The United States ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Dirty Bomb ◽  
Radiological Dispersal ◽  
Terrorist Event

AbstractIntroduction:Since the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, concerns have been raised regarding the threat of a radiological terrorist weapon. Although the probability of the employment of a nuclear device is remote, the potential of a radiological dispersal device (RDD) or “dirty bomb” is of concern. While it is unlikely that such a device would produce massive numbers of casualties, it is far more likely that it would result in pub- lic panic and perhaps even disable the local healthcare system. The utility of surveillance with radiation detectors in the healthcare setting has not been fully evaluated.Objective:The objective of this study was to characterize the prevalence of radioactive sources entering an urban emergency department (ED).Methods:A retrospective review of data obtained from a radiation detector positioned to detect radioactive people entering an ED of an urban academic hospital that serves 45,000 patients/year was performed. Graphical outputs of radioactivity were recorded in Microsoft ExcelTM (Microsoft, Redmond, WA, US) spreadsheets in microREM/hour. Data were collected continuous-ly from 22 December 2003 to 22 January 2004. An event was defined as any elevation in radiation levels >95% confidence interval from the mean level of background radiation over 72 hours (h).Results:A total of 215 events were observed over a 28-day period, with a mean value of 7.7 events/day, and a maximum of 15 events/day. During the 28-day period, the baseline mean level of background radiation was 2–4 microREM/h. Readings ranged from 2,148.28–17,292.25 microREM/h with a maximum sustained detector exposure of 684.37 microREM. Distinct signal patterns were seen at both detectors including tonic, phasic, dual, and short duration spikes.Conclusion:The number of radioactive signals detected from persons entering the ED was much higher than expected. While the vast majority of these signals pose no health threat, they may make routine screening for a radiological terrorist event difficult.Further study is needed to determine this correlation.

The multiplicative process in semiconductor radiation detectors. A practical application of Good's theorem in the theory of branching processes

1968 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 203-214
Author(s):  
Iwao Ogawa ◽  
Masao Furukawa
Keyword(s):  
Branching Processes ◽  
Radiation Detector ◽  
Practical Importance ◽  
Radiation Detectors ◽  
Continuous Variable ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Primary Electron ◽  
Electron Hole ◽  
Electron Hole Pair ◽  
The Mean

AbstractThe electron avalanche that takes place within an internally amplifying semiconductor radiation detector has been analysed statistically, treating the process as an example of multi-dimensional branching processes. By extending the result obtained from Good's theorem to the case of continuous variable, an integral equation is derived for the generating function of the probability that a single primary electron-hole pair, formed at a depth x, induces an avalanche consisting of n pairs. On the basis of this equation, expressions are deduced for the mean value and the standard deviation σ of the total number n of pairs in an avalanche induced by n0 primary pairs produced at x, as well as the probability w(x, n0, n) of getting an avalanche of ‘size’ n. In particular cases these expressions lead to various simple relations of practical importance.

Divergence in the epidemiological estimates of traumatic brain injury in the United States: comparison of two national databases

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Brittany M. Stopa ◽  
Maya Harary ◽  
Ray Jhun ◽  
Arun Job ◽  
Saef Izzy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Data Bank ◽  
The United States ◽  
National Sample ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Weighted Estimates ◽  
True Incidence ◽  
Ed Visits

OBJECTIVETraumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the US, but the true incidence of TBI is unknown.METHODSThe National Trauma Data Bank National Sample Program (NTDB NSP) was queried for 2007 and 2013, and population-based weighted estimates of TBI-related emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations, and deaths were calculated. These data were compared to the 2017 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report on TBI, which used the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project’s National (“Nationwide” before 2012) Inpatient Sample and National Emergency Department Sample.RESULTSIn the NTDB NSP the incidence of TBI-related ED visits was 59/100,000 in 2007 and 62/100,000 in 2013. However, in the CDC report there were 534/100,000 in 2007 and 787/100,000 in 2013. The CDC estimate for ED visits was 805% higher in 2007 and 1169% higher in 2013. In the NTDB NSP, the incidence of TBI-related deaths was 5/100,000 in 2007 and 4/100,000 in 2013. In the CDC report, the incidence was 18/100,000 in both years. The CDC estimate for deaths was 260% higher in 2007 and 325% higher in 2013.CONCLUSIONSThe databases disagreed widely in their weighted estimates of TBI incidence: CDC estimates were consistently higher than NTDB NSP estimates, by an average of 448%. Although such a discrepancy may be intuitive, this is the first study to quantify the magnitude of disagreement between these databases. Given that research, funding, and policy decisions are made based on these estimates, there is a need for a more accurate estimate of the true national incidence of TBI.

scholarly journals National Trends in Emergency Department Care Processes for Acute Myocardial Infarction in the United States, 2005 to 2015

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (20) ◽  
Author(s):  
Akshay Pendyal ◽  
Craig Rothenberg ◽  
Jean E. Scofi ◽  
Harlan M. Krumholz ◽  
Basmah Safdar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Acute Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Real World ◽  
The United States ◽  
Emergency Department Care ◽  
Care Processes ◽  
Ed Visits

Background Despite investments to improve quality of emergency care for patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), few studies have described national, real‐world trends in AMI care in the emergency department (ED). We aimed to describe trends in the epidemiology and quality of AMI care in US EDs over a recent 11‐year period, from 2005 to 2015. Methods and Results We conducted an observational study of ED visits for AMI using the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, a nationally representative probability sample of US EDs. AMI visits were classified as ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non‐STEMI. Outcomes included annual incidence of AMI, median ED length of stay, ED disposition type, and ED administration of evidence‐based medications. Annual ED visits for AMI decreased from 1 493 145 in 2005 to 581 924 in 2015. Estimated yearly incidence of ED visits for STEMI decreased from 1 402 768 to 315 813. The proportion of STEMI sent for immediate, same‐hospital catheterization increased from 12% to 37%. Among patients with STEMI sent directly for catheterization, median ED length of stay decreased from 62 to 37 minutes. ED administration of antithrombotic and nonaspirin antiplatelet agents rose for STEMI (23%–31% and 10%–27%, respectively). Conclusions National, real‐world trends in the epidemiology of AMI in the ED parallel those of clinical registries, with decreases in AMI incidence and STEMI proportion. ED care processes for STEMI mirror evolving guidelines that favor high‐intensity antiplatelet therapy, early invasive strategies, and regionalization of care.

scholarly journals Emergency Department and Radiological Cost of Delayed Diagnosis of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
David I. Zimmer ◽  
Ross McCauley ◽  
Varun Konanki ◽  
Joseph Dynako ◽  
Nuha Zackariya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Delayed Diagnosis ◽  
The United States ◽  
Clinical Syndrome ◽  
Cannabis Use ◽  
Diagnostic Challenge ◽  
High Clinical Suspicion ◽  
Ed Visits ◽  
Inappropriate Utilization ◽  
Utilization Of Healthcare

Background. Chronic cannabis use has become prevalent with decriminalization, medical prescription, and recreational legalization in numerous US states. With this increasing incidence of chronic cannabis use a new clinical syndrome has become apparent in emergency departments and hospitals across the country, termed Cannabinoid Hyperemesis (CH). CH has been described as cyclical vomiting and abdominal pain in the setting of chronic cannabis use, which is often temporarily relieved by hot showers. CH presents a diagnostic challenge to clinicians who do not have a high clinical suspicion for the syndrome and can result in high costs and resource utilization for hospitals and patients. This study investigates the expenditures associated with delayed CH evaluation and delayed diagnosis. Methods. This is a retrospective observational study of 17 patients diagnosed with CH at three medical centers in the United States from 2010 to 2015, consisting of two academic centers and a community hospital. Emergency department (ED) costs were calculated and analyzed for patients eventually diagnosed with CH. Results. For the 17 patients treated, the total cost for combined ED visits and radiologic evaluations was an average of $76,920.92 per patient. On average these patients had 17.9 ED visits before the diagnosis of CH was made. Conclusion. CH provides a diagnostic challenge to clinicians without a high suspicion of the syndrome and may become increasingly prevalent with current trends toward cannabis legalization. The diagnosis of CH can be made primarily through a thorough history and physical examination. Awareness of this syndrome can save institutions money, prevent inappropriate utilization of healthcare resources, and save patients from unnecessary diagnostic tests.

scholarly journals Validation of the Corona-Score for rapid identification of SARS-CoV-2 infections in patients seeking emergency department care in the United States

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Lippi ◽  
Brandon Michael Henry ◽  
Jonathan Hoehn ◽  
Stefanie Benoit ◽  
Justin Benoit
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
The United States ◽  
Rapid Identification ◽  
Emergency Department Care

scholarly journals Emergency Department Visits From 2014 to 2018 for Head Injuries in Youth Non-Tackle Football Compared With Other Sports

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 232596712097540
Author(s):  
Jessica M. Zendler ◽  
Ron Jadischke ◽  
Jared Frantz ◽  
Steve Hall ◽  
Grant C. Goulet
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Head Injury ◽  
Head Injuries ◽  
The United States ◽  
Emergency Department Visits ◽  
Head Region ◽  
Cerebral Contusion ◽  
Common Diagnosis ◽  
Tackle Football

Background: Non-tackle football (ie, flag, touch, 7v7) is purported to be a lower-risk alternative to tackle football, particularly in terms of head injuries. However, data on head injuries in non-tackle football are sparse, particularly among youth participants. Purpose: To describe the epidemiology of  emergency department visits for head injuries due to non-tackle football among youth players in the United States and compare the data with basketball, soccer, and tackle football. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: Injury data from 2014 to 2018 were obtained from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database. Injury reports coded for patients aged 6 to 18 years and associated with basketball, football, or soccer were extracted. Data were filtered to include only injuries to the head region, specifically, the head, ear, eyeball, mouth, or face. Football injuries were manually assigned to “non-tackle” or “tackle” based on the injury narratives. Sports & Fitness Industry Association data were used to estimate annual sport participation and calculate annual injury rates per 100,000 participant-years. Results: A total of 26,770 incident reports from 2014 to 2018 were analyzed. For head region injuries in non-tackle football, the head was the most commonly injured body part, followed by the face; the most common diagnosis was a laceration, followed by concussion and internal injury (defined as an unspecified head injury or internal head injury [eg, subdural hematoma or cerebral contusion]). The most common contacting object was another player. The projected national rate of head region injuries was lowest for non-tackle football across the 4 sports. In particular, the projected rate of injuries to the head for non-tackle football (78.0 per 100,000 participant-years) was less than one-fourth the rates for basketball (323.5 per 100,000 participant-years) and soccer (318.2 per 100,000 participant-years) and less than one-tenth the rate for tackle football (1478.6 per 100,000 participant-years). Conclusion: Among youth in the United States aged 6 to 18 years who were treated in the emergency department for injuries related to playing non-tackle football, the most common diagnosis for injuries to the head region was a laceration, followed by a concussion. Head region injuries associated with non-tackle football occurred at a notably lower rate than basketball, soccer, or tackle football.

Economic burden of hypoglycemia: Utilization of emergency department and outpatient services in the United States (2005–2009)

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (9) ◽  
pp. 852-857 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yingnan Zhao ◽  
Qian Shi ◽  
Yao Wang ◽  
Vivian Fonseca ◽  
Lizheng Shi
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Economic Burden ◽  
The United States ◽  
Outpatient Services

scholarly journals A national evaluation of antibiotic expenditures by healthcare setting in the United States, 2009

2012 ◽  
Vol 68 (3) ◽  
pp. 715-718 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. J. Suda ◽  
L. A. Hicks ◽  
R. M. Roberts ◽  
R. J. Hunkler ◽  
L. H. Danziger
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Healthcare Setting ◽  
The United States

scholarly journals Variation in Emergency Department vs Internal Medicine Excess Charges in the United States

2017 ◽  
Vol 177 (8) ◽  
pp. 1139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tim Xu ◽  
Angela Park ◽  
Ge Bai ◽  
Sarah Joo ◽  
Susan M. Hutfless ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Internal Medicine ◽  
United States ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
The United States
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