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38 Cards in this Set

  • Front
  • Back

History Of X-Rays

Discovered in 1895 by Wihelm Roentgen by experimenting with cathode rays when a barium screen fluoresced


1896 an osteosarcoma of the tibia was diagnosed


1896 soldiers in italy were x-rayed to locate bullet fragments

Radiographs

The visible photographic record on film produced from the X-Ray energy passing through an object

Importance of Radiography for Vet Techs

To improve their ability to produce high quality radiographs


To develop knowledge of proper film identification (part of the medical record, avoid mix ups)


To gain a better understanding of radiation safety


To better understand techincal errors and how to fix them


Proper patient positioning

Diagnostic Imaging Techniques

X-Rays


Fluoroscopy


Ultrasound


Computed Tomography (CT Scan)


Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)


Scintigraphy

Energy Types

Radiant and Electromagnetic


Each are organized on a spectrum called an electromagnetic spectrum


Some visible, most are invisible

Electromagnetic Radiation

A method of transporting energy through space distinguished by its wavelength, frequency and energy


Consists of waves and particles

Electromagnetic Radiation: Wave characteristics

Wavelength- the distance between two consecutive, corresponding points on a wave


Frequency- Number of cycles of the wave passing a stationary point per second

X-Rays

A form of electromagnetic radiation similar to visible light and radio waves but with a much shorter wavelength


Are NOT visible

Basics of Radiation

The shorter the wavelength, the greater the energy of the x-ray beam


The greater the energy of the x-ray beam, the greater its penetration


Increased exposure will change the picture on the radiograph

Electromagnetic Radiation: Particle Characteristics

Atomic structure- contain a nucleus with protons and neutrons with electrons rotating around the nucleus

Binding Energy

The energy required to remove an electron from an atom


The energy is greater for the electrons on the inner shell and is unique for a particular electron in each shell

Photon

A bundle of radiant energy released due to the moving of electrons


If this energy is great enough it is considered an x-ray

Physical Properties of X-Rays

Wavelength can be variable and is related to the energy of the radiation


Travel in a straight line


Penetrate materials which absorb or reflect them


Certain substances can fluoresce after absorbing electromagnetic radiation such as x-rays


Produce invisible image on photographic film made visible by processing the film


Capable of ionization


Can cause biologic changes to living tissue


Penetration of tissue by x-ray radiation is dependant on energy of the x-rays and the density of tissue

Ionizing Radiation

AKA X-Rays


The formation of ions by subtracting/removing electrons from atoms (this occurs when they pass through tissues causing cell damage)

Mihran Kassabian

1870-1910


Photography and Radiology Instructor


Suffered radiation burns


Fingers amputated


Died of radiation induced cancer

Clarence Dally

Thomas Edison's assistant


Hair fell out, ulcers on head, hands and arms, eventually succumbed to cancer

Maria Ridder

1871-1916


Hospital radiographer


Held nervous child patients with unprotected hands, numerous amputations, died of cancer

1897

Approximately 70 cases of skin damage


1900

170 cases of radiation injury

Somatic Damage

Becomes apparent in lifetime of individual exposed


Alters body's cells- especially rapidly dividing cells


Results can include cancer, cataracts, aplastic anemia, and sterility


Damage is more extensive when there is exposure to a single, massive dose than to smaller cumulative doses

Genetic Damage

Alters DNA of reproductive cells resulting in gene mutations


May affect offspring of individuals exposed


May result in abnormal fetal development (12 weeks) or cancer of the child (second or third trimesters)

Pregnancy Safety

According to law - are allowed to take x-rays if proper precautions are taken (PPE)


Radiation exposure is most damaging in weeks 2-10


Maximum allowable exposure is the same as for non-x-ray workers

Three Main Rules of Radiation Safety

Time


Distance


Shielding

Time Safety

Reduce the time of exposure


Distance Safety

Increase the distance between you and the source of the radiation (ideally leave the room)


Minimum of 2 meters from the primary beam


Stand up straight at the end of the table if restraining


NEVER allow any of your body to be in the primary beam

Shielding Safety

Place a shield or barrier between you ad the x-ray machine

Lead Apron

Line with a minimum of 0.5 mm lead


Only protects from scatter radiation NOT the primary beam

Lead Protective Eyeglasses

The front and sides are lined with ~0.75mm of lead

Thyroid Protector

Lead lined 0.5 mm of lead

Lead Gloves

Lined with a minimum of 0.5 mm of lead


DO NOT protect staff from the primary beam


Can have openings for fingers to allow restraint of patient (fingers are exposed to scatter radiation)

X-Ray Room Construction

Legally, veterinary clinics must ensure that walls, ceilings, floors, and doors are radiation barriers


Lined with either lead or concrete

Ontario Ministry of Labour

Occupational Health and Safety Act states that it is the employer's responsibility to ensure that te health care worker is protected against any excessive radiation exposure

Health Canada

Administers the Radiation Protection Bureau (RPB) which runs the National Dosimetry Service


Has NO regulatory powers over radiation health and safety

Provincial Regulations

Separate X-Ray rooms should be used where practical


Stay as far away from the x-ray beam as possible


Restrict x-ray beam to the film and area of interest using lead shutters


Use positioning devices where practical


Use Chemical restraint

CVO

College of Veterinarians of Ontario stipulates that veterinary clinics must has protective apparel, including thyroid protectors, lead aprons and gloves; dosimeters for staff and collimator on the x-ray machine

Dosimeters

Badges provided by and sent to Health Canada - National Dosimetry Service


Vet personel MUST wear a dosimeter badge at all times when working around radiation


It is ILLEGAL to share dosimeters


SIN used for tracking


Measures a cumulative radiation exposure


Dosimeters should be stored away from the source of radiation

MPD

Maximum Possible Dose = the maximum dose of radiation that a person may receive in a given period


Reflects the amount of radiation, not the risk


Helps determine safety of procedures and equipment

ALARA

As Low As Reasonable Achievable


A universal principle refering to the dose of radiation veterinary medical staff receive