scholarly journals Assessment of the Knowledge of CT Scanner Operators on the Use of Dose Reduction Software Called Automatic Exposure Control (AEC) During a CT Scan

Author(s):  
Eddy Fotso Kamdem ◽  
Odette Ngano Samba ◽  
Serge Abogo ◽  
Joshua Tambe ◽  
Jean Claude Mballa Amougou ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectif : Evaluate the knowledge of medical imaging technicians on the use of dose reduction software and the concept of patient radiation protection.Materials and methods : Descriptive and analytical transversal study from January 1 to December 1, 2020, conducted in the radiology and medical imaging services of Cameroon's public and private hospitals with a CT scanner. It was the first study on this topic that was conducted in Cameroon. This study was conducted from a questionnaire distributed to all medical imaging technicians in 10 country hospitals relating to the notions of dose reduction software and patient radiation protection.Results: 80 questionnaires were distributed and analyzed. The average age of medical imaging technicians was 30 years old. There were 32 women and 48 men. Most of the medical imaging technicians worked in private centers (n = 6). 75% of medical imaging technicians had been in practice for more than 5 years. 75% of medical imaging technicians gave the wrong answer regarding the use of dose reduction software. Finally, only a third of the practitioners had received training in patient radiation protection.Conclusion : Although the majority of medical imaging technicians declares to take into account the dangers related to ionizing radiation during examinations, a broader dissemination of patient radiation protection training and the use of dose reduction software, particularly during the initial curriculum. Radiology technicians could be one of the solutions to improve the knowledge of hospital practitioners in patient radiation protection. However, the use of ionizing radiation, however, need to know and take into account the potential risks of radio-induced cancer linked to high X-ray doses.

Author(s):  
Jeannette Kathrin Kraft ◽  
Peter Howells

Ionizing radiation continues to revolutionize the diagnostic process in medicine. However, it comes with risks to patients and staff. The amount of radiation patients receive is rising, mainly due to the use of high-dose examinations such as computed tomography and image-guided interventional procedures. In some countries, the amount of radiation a population receives from medical use is already larger than that from natural background radiation. A basic knowledge of radiation effects on the human body and radiation protection principles enables clinicians to assess potential risks associated with ionizing radiation and guides the choice of investigation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 319 ◽  
pp. 01090
Author(s):  
Laila El Younoussi ◽  
Brahim Benaji ◽  
Mohammed Azougagh ◽  
Souad Lebbar ◽  
Lekbir El hamidi ◽  
...  

The use of medical devices (MDs) in the field of medical imaging has always been governed by rigorous regulations, in particular the authorizations and compliance of radiological installations and premises in view of the risks generated by the ionizing radiation produced by these MDs. The regulatory bases that deal with equipment emitting ionizing radiation are diversified between those specific to the protection of the public and users of ionizing radiation and those relating to medical devices. In addition, radio-diagnostic equipment must provide all the guarantees in terms of the balance between benefits and risks. Although radiation protection is essential, materiovigilance is one of the key elements of technological monitoring and surveillance of the risks that may result from the use of these medical devices after they have been placed on the market. The Moroccan legislation has a legal arsenal in accordance with the model of the World Health Organization’s global regulatory framework for medical devices. It outlines regulations and adheres to international guidelines in the field of vigilance against ionizing radiation. However, it is necessary to move on to the specification of procedures in order to remove any ambiguity.


2020 ◽  
Vol 55 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-122
Author(s):  
F. Malchair ◽  
C. Maccia

Radiation protection and dose optimisation in computerized tomography (CT) for pediatric patients are of utmost importance because of the potential risk of cancer induction by exposure to ionizing radiation. A review of available technical features in modern CT machines aiming at reducing and/or optimizing patient dose was performed. Practical advices to operators were listed according to dose-related technical solutions studied to decrease the doses and to practically implement dose optimisation.


Author(s):  
Adedapo A. Adejumo ◽  
U. Enebeli, Ugo ◽  
Olaolu O. Bilewu

Introduction: Radiological examinations are commonly requested for patients to aid clinical diagnosis. However, many doctors do not realize how much radiation dosage their patients are exposed to during radiological aim. The main objective of this study was to assess the level of knowledge of radiation exposure and safety practices among patients undergoing medical imaging in Ado-Odo Local Government Area, in Ogun State of Nigeria. Methodology: A self-administered questionnaire was used for the study. Results: More than half of the respondents 216(69.7%) were female, more than one-quarter 153(49.4) of the respondents were aged 20-29 years, More than half 186(60.0%) of the respondent are single. More than half 204(66.4%) of the respondents have heard about radiation exposure. Majority 232(74.8%) of the respondents agree that radiation hazard do come only from medical radiations. More than half 21(68.7%) of the respondents agree that they do take note of radiation warning sign, majority 236(76.1%) of the respondents agree that they know the wrong use of dose of ionizing radiation can lead to mortality, 217(70.0%) of the respondents agree that inappropriate safety measure on ionizing radiation can result into cancer Conclusion: This study notes that majority of the literature on awareness and knowledge of the effects of ionizing radiation was carried out among health workers, whereas there is limited information from patients who undergo the procedure. This accounts for the paucity of local studies to compare our results with. In future, studies could compare the radiation awareness among patients presenting at health facilities from public and private, as well as differences in awareness levels of self-presenting and prescribed patients


Author(s):  
Jeannette Kathrin Kraft ◽  
Peter Howells

Ionizing radiation has been revolutionizing the diagnostic process in medicine. However, its use is not without risk, necessitating protection of patients and staff from potential harm. The amount of radiation patients receive continues to rise, mainly due to the use of high-dose examination techniques such as computed tomography and image-guided interventional procedures. In some countries, the amount of radiation a population receives from medical use is already larger than that from natural background radiation. Therefore, a basic knowledge of radiation effects on the human body, radiation protection principles, and relevant legislation is of great importance to all clinicians. This will enable doctors to assess potential risks associated with ionizing radiation in medical imaging and to make an informed choice when different investigations are available to assess a patient.


2020 ◽  
Vol 192 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-40
Author(s):  
Serhat Aras ◽  
Ihsan Oguz Tanzer ◽  
Turkan Ikizceli

Abstract We investigate the ionizing radiation exposure awareness and subject matter knowledge among clinical radiology technicians working in state and private hospitals in Mogadishu, Somalia. Research data are collected via face to face interviews with a prepared questionnaire performed between April and May 2018 in Mogadishu, Somalia. A total of 61 clinical radiology technicians working in 10 state and private hospitals in Mogadishu volunteered to be part of this study. Among the participants, awareness of the harmful effects of ionizing radiation and sufficient subject matter knowledge were lacking. In addition, radiation protection equipment during radiological examinations were not adequately used by clinical radiology technicians. Our results indicate a necessity to retrain and improve the technician education curriculum before and after graduation to create a safer environment both for hospital staff and patients during radiological examinations.


2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 226-235
Author(s):  
Mohsen Cheki ◽  
◽  
Zahra Farzanegan ◽  
Marziyeh Tahmasbi ◽  
Aida Karami ◽  
...  

Background and Objectives: Radiology technicians have a critical role in protecting patients along with providing high-quality images. The present study assessed radiology students' last semester about the principles of protection, dose level, and cancer risk of ionizing radiation applied for diagnostic imaging. This study was conducted in training hospitals of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz City, Iran. Subjects and Methods This cross-sectional descriptive study was performed using a study-designed questionnaire. The sample size was 40, and statistical analysis was performed in SPSS v. 24. Results Only 15% of students correctly answered the question of ionizing radiation stochastic effect. While 70% of students stated the average dose of an abdominal ultrasound correctly, only 2.5% of them determined the average dose of a myocardial nuclear medicine scan correctly. In total, the respondents received 35% of the overall score of knowledge about cancer risk caused by ionizing radiation of imaging examinations. Conclusion The students' knowledge about the principles of radiation protection was moderate, and their knowledge about the level of radiation dose and cancer risk caused by various imaging procedures was insufficient. Theoretical and practical education has a significant role in improving the knowledge and skills of radiology technicians. So, repeating and emphasizing the principles of radiation protection and paying more attention to these topics in the courses and internships of radiology technology students seems necessary. These measures will improve the performance of students and make them prepared to accept their future professional responsibilities.


2021 ◽  
Vol 57 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Annette Röttger ◽  
Attila Veres ◽  
Vladimir Sochor ◽  
Massimo Pinto ◽  
Michal Derlacinski ◽  
...  

Abstract. More than 23 million workers worldwide are occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation and all people in the world are exposed to environmental radiation. The mean exposure, that is the mean annual dose of per person, is dominated by medical applications and exposure to natural sources. Due to recent developments in healthcare, e.g. the increasing application of ionising radiation in medical imaging with relative high doses like CT, and modern high dose applications (for example CT angiography), the exposure due to medical application has risen. Additionally, the changes in living conditions increase the exposure to natural radioactivity also: More living time is spent in buildings or in an urban environment, which causes higher exposure to Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) in building materials and higher exposure to radon. The level of radon activity concentration in buildings is far higher than in the environment (outdoor). This effect is often amplified by modern energy-efficient buildings which reduce the air exchange and thus increase the radon indoor activity concentration. In summary both medical application of ionizing radiation and natural sources are responsible for the increase of the mean annual exposure of the population. The accurate measurement of radiation dose is key to ensuring safety but there are two challenges to be faced: First, new standards and reference fields are needed due to the rapid developments in medical imaging, radiotherapy and industrial applications. Second, direct communication channels are needed to ensure that information on best practice in measurements reaches effectively and quickly the people concerned. It is therefore necessary to allow for an international exchange of information on identified problems and solutions. Consequently, a European Metrology Network (EMN) for radiation protection under the roof of EURAMET is in the foundation phase. This network EMN for Radiation Protection is being prepared by the project EMPIR 19NET03 supportBSS. The project aims to prepare this EMN by addressing this issue through the identification of stakeholder research needs and by implementing a long-term ongoing dialogue between stakeholders and the metrology community. The EMN will serve as a unique point of contact to address all metrological needs related to radiation protection and it will relate to all environmental processes where ionising radiation and radionuclides are involved. A Strategic Research Agenda and two roadmaps are in development, covering the metrology needs of both the Euratom Treaty and the EU Council Directive 2013/59/EURATOM pinning down the basic safety standards for protection against the dangers arising from exposure to ionizing radiation. Furthermore, long-term knowledge sharing, and capacity building will be supported and a proposal for a sustainable joint European metrology infrastructure is under way. This will significantly strengthen the radiation protection metrology and support radiation protection measures. The final goal of the network project is a harmonised, sustainable, coordinated and smartly specialised infrastructure to underpin the current and future needs expressed in the European regulations for radiation protection.


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