Radiation Biology
What are the 2 sources of radiation? Provide examples.
NATURAL: cosmic radiation (sun, planets), naturally occurring radioactive substances on Earth (radium, radon, uranium)
HUMAN-MADE: nuclear industry, radionuclides, medical/dental imaging, consumer products (microwaves, monitors, suntan beds)
Name the materials used for SHIELDING and why.
Explain the differences between DIDACTIC and CLINICAL education.
DIDACTIC: informational/instructional activities that may occur in formal/informal settings, typically in the classroom, laboratory, or online.
CLINICAL: procedures and activities that occur in outpatient and inpatient healthcare settings
having the mindset/attitude that enables effective interactions in a multicultural environment.
Humans are diverse and recognizing there are differences as well as commonalities will help when interacting with anyone in a hospital setting (patients, colleagues, coworkers).
PHOTOELECTRIC: entire x-ray is absorbed, released as electricity, contributes to PT DOSE, WHAT WE WANT
COMPTON: knocks E-, incoming xrays will scatter, main source of occupational rad dose, WHAT WE DON'T WANT
Explain the benefits of COLLIMATION and FILTRATION in regard to radiation protection.
COLLIMATION: always restrict primary beam to a/i, never exceed size of IR, limits exposure to a/i, does not INC overall pt dose.
FILTRATION: absorbs LOW energy xrays that can INC pt entrance dose, does not affect img, does not exit pt to reach IR, ALUMINUM = most common material
Name the 3 phases of COMPETENCY.
1. OBSERVATION (watch)
2. ASSISTANCE (help)
3. PERFORMANCE (solo)
Define BICULTURALISM.
(AKA MULTICULTURALISM)
Which cells are most RADIOSENSITIVE?
IMMATURE, UNSPECIFIED, UNDERGO ACTIVE DIVISION
Ex: basal cells of skin, crypt cells of SI, germ cells, genetic cells
Name and describe the 3 CARDINAL PRINCIPLES of radiation protection.
TIME: INC time = INC pt dose, use LESS beam "on" time in Fluoro
DISTANCE: 2x INC distance = 4x DEC pt dose, at least 40" SID
SHIELDING: HIGH atomic #= INC shielding, collimate to a/i
Describe the proper procedure for a REPEAT PROCEDURE.
Unsatisfactory r/g images must be DIRECTLY SUPERVISED by a qualified R/G, REGARDLESS of the student's level of competency.
TLDR: Always consult with a qualified RT before doing a REPEAT PROCEDURE
Describe BIAS and name the 5 different types of biases.
1. Age
2. Ethnicity/Nationality
3. Race
4. Gender/Sexual Orientation
5. Mental/Physical Ability
EARLY: onset couple hrs-days, losing hair, burns, dec sperm, temporary infertility, ARS (ALL DETERMINISTIC)
LATE: onset 5-60 yrs, cataracts, cancer (STOCHASTIC)
When/how should you SHIELD PATIENTS?
Shield patients:
-at pt's request
- when apron WILL NOT interfere with a/i
- lens of the eye, breast, thyroid, gonads
What are the conditions for using a SIMULATION for a competency?
Define HOMOPHOBIA.
The irrational fear of homosexuality, accompanied by hostility toward individuals who are or are perceived to be homosexual, gay, lesbian, or bisexual.
What does A.L.A.R.A. mean and what is its purpose? Name the Effective Dose Limits for Annual, Cumulative, and Embyro-Fetal(Monthly).
As Long As Reasonably Achievable,
Lowers occupational radiation, decreases biologic risk to exposed persons
Annual: 50 mSv
Cumulative: 1 mSv x Age
Embryo-Fetal: 0.5 mSv
Name the stages of ARS.
1. PRODROMAL: N/V/D
2. LATENT: feels well, biologic changes happen
3. MANIFEST: recovery or death
Describe the PREGNANCY for students set by JRCERT.
- Only the student can declare themselves pregnant
- Student will be treated as not pregnant until the student officially discloses pregnant (must be in writing, dated, and include est. month of conception)
- Once pregnancy is known, monthly dose limit is 0.5 mSv
- Must wear 2 dosimeters, 1 for student, 1 for fetus worn around waist height.
Explain the difference between ETHNOCENTRISM and RACISM.
E: The belief that the norms and values of one culture are better and are the only ones that are acceptable.
R: The belief that one race is superior to all others
Name the units of measurement for radiation.
EXPOSURE = COULOMBS per KILOGRAM, C/kg
- measure of ionization in air
AIR KERMA = GRAY, GYa
- kinetic energy transferred from xray beam in air
ABSORBED DOSE = GRAY, GYt
- amount of radiation absorbed in tissue
EFFECTIVE DOSE = SIEVERT, Sv
- impact of the type of rad has on specific tissues
DOSE EQUIVALENT = SIEVERT, Sv
- product of avg dose in tissue/organ + assoc'd weight/quality factor
Compare/contrast the types of RADIATION MONITORS.
OSL (optically stimulated luminescence):
- aluminum oxide crystals
- laser > crystals > light
- reusable
TLD (thermoluminescent dosimeter)
- lithium fluoride crystals
- heat > crystals > light
- unaffected by heat, moisture, pressure
- unable to provide immediate reading
DIS (pocket direct-ion-storage dosimeter)
- filled with ionization gas
- connected to SSD
- electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM)
- instant access to data
Name the 3 governing bodies that regulate the QUALITY OF PROGRAMS for RT programs.
ASRT: provides curriculum for educational guidelines to ensure entry-level imaging professionals have the necessary skills/knowledge for practice.
JRCERT: establishes supervision & safety standards for student participation in clinical education.
ARRT: identifies minimum educational/clinical competency requirements for certification.
Name the FOUR CORE VALUES OF HUMAN RIGHTS LAW.
AUTONOMY
DIGNITY
EQUALITY
SOLIDARITY