Home | Business News | Browse by Publication | R | Radiologic Technology

Radiation dose during barium enema.

Article Excerpt
Although the use of traditional contrast studies under fluoroscopy has been declining due to modern sectional imaging and other alternative diagnostic modalities,] fluoroscopy is still an important part of radiology. Fluoroscopy usually combines dynamic x-ray with static images. Examination times vary, and the operator must be aware of the amount of radiation patients are receiving. Because medical irradiation is by far the largest man-made contributor to the population's radiation burden, it is appropriate to reduce the exposure levels from this component whenever possible. (2)

Fluoroscopy examinations are different from plain radiography exams. A plain radiographic film is taken with a short exposure time. The goal is to minimize the exposure time as much as possible. Fluoroscopy examinations involve dynamic x-ray imaging that is continuous throughout the time the radiologist is holding the exposure. This is similar to taking multiple radiographs of the same patient. Thus, radiation exposure from a fluoroscopy examination greatly exceeds that of a plain-film examination.

Many factors influence the level of radiation dose delivered to patients undergoing medical x-ray examinations. (3) It is important to identify these factors, assess the level of contribution each makes to dose and take corrective action in a cost-effective way. (3) This can lead to standardized and optimized radiological procedures. (3) Along with protecting the patient, it is extremely important for the medical staff to take the proper precautions to protect themselves. A good place to start is with shielding everyone in the room during a fluoroscopy examination. The patient always should have the maximum amount of shielding possible, especially covering the reproductive organs, as long as it does not interfere with the examination. Everyone else in the room should wear lead aprons...

View this article FREE - Now for a Limited Time, try Goliath Business News
Free for 3 Days!