Prep For Clinical Practice Flashcards
(1303 cards)
-Absorbed dose
total amount of radiation absorbed by an object (International System of unit or SI unit: Gray (Gy)).
Equivalent dose
absorbed dose x radiation weighing factor, to account for how harmful a type of radiation is to biological tissues (SI unit: Sievert (Sv)).
Effective dose:
equivalent dose x tissue weighing factor, to account for the radiosensitivity of different organs and the increased risk of the patient developing stochastic (see below) effects (SI unit: Sievert (Sv)).
Direct damage:
results in break of molecular bonds within cells (eg DNA).
Indirect damage
esults in interaction with water leading to creation of free radicals, which in turn can break molecular bonds within cells.
Deterministic effects
they occur at a specific dose threshold and represent tissue reactions; the severity of these effects is dose-dependent. Rapidly dividing cells are most sensitive and radiation sickness reflects body systems affected (eg dermatitis, burns, cataract, gastrointestinal disturbance or changes in blood). The latter are known as somatic effects.
Stochastic effects
represent effects that have no threshold and occur randomly. The severity of the effects is not dose-dependent, but the probability for the effects to occur is dose-dependent.
Carcinogenic effect: tumors may be induced decades after the radiation exposure Genetic effects: mutations may occur in the chromosomes of germ cells in the ovaries or testes, with potential effects in the offspring.
ALARP
he main goal is to keep the radiation dose As Low As Reasonably Practicable (Achievable) at all times
Doses are kept lower than the threshold for deterministic effects. As there is no threshold for stochastic effects, doses should always be kept as low as possible.
Too high kVp will lead to
increased scatter production by the patient, increased scatter in the radiography room and reduced image contrast
oo low kVp may lead to
increased exposure time, with a likelihood of motion artifacts and a need for repeat examination.
Use a grid for subjects greater than
10 cm thick.
Methods of protection against scatter radiation
time, distance, shielding
Dosimetry
Measurement of radiation exposure
Compton absorption
photon of electromagnetic energy interacts with a loosely bound electron in the outer shell of an atom.
The photon displaces the loosely bound electron which can ionize other atoms.
The photon is diverted and continues in a different direction with a lower energy ’Scattered radiation.
Increases with increasing energy.
As energy increases more of scattered radiation is directed in a forward direction, ie more likely to reach x-ray film.
Independent of atomic number of tissue.
Production of scatter
catter is produced when x-rays interact with matter.
Lower energy than primary beam.
Travel in any direction.
Very important inlarge animal radiography.
At high kV less of the primary beam is converted to scatter but more scattered radiation is moving forward towards the film.
Increases with increasing volume of tissue irradiated.
ncreases radiation exposure to personnel.
Increases radiation dose to patient.
Reduces film contrast (increases overall film density in a non-specific way).
how is scatter reduced?
collumation
Compress patient
Reduces volume of tissue irradiated. Can be achieved using Bucky band - a webbing strap which can be tightened around the body (particularly abdomen).
Reduce kVReduce scatter affecting filmGrids
Placed between film and patient to absorb scatter. Most scatter is travelling in an oblique direction and therefore is unable to pass through grid. Results in increased exposure factors required. Grid lines can appear on film.
Alternative filtration devices
Air gap between patient and film: Radiation travelling obliquely misses film. Important in large animal radiography where film is often some distance from object. Air gap increases magnification and reduces image sharpness. Filter between patient and film:
Lead backing to film cassettes
Reduce effects of scatter on film
Intensifying screens (particularly rare earth) intensify primary photons more than scatter. Screens also increase gamma so that film contrast is enhanced and effect of scatter is reduced.
When compiling an exposure chart as many variables as possible should be kept constant: what variables are these
Film focal distance.
Object film distance.
Processing
Film type
Intensifying screen type Radiography
Use of grid use.
Line mains compensation.
Variable kV
This is used if:
Machine allows variation in kVp of 1-2. Due to the variation in dog size and shape selecting an exposure based on dogs weight may be inaccurate. Breed variability in conformation can be overcome by basing exposure on tissue thickness. Keep mAs constant and as high as possible and alter kV based on tissue thickness. A grid should be used if tissue depth is >10 cm and may be useful in smaller obese animals.
Grids
If using a grid the exposure will need to be increased.
Multiply grid factor by mAs to obtain new mAs.
X-rays
electromagnetic radiation.
Their usefulness stems from a number of properties:
Travel in straight lines. Can pass through a vacuum. Travel at constant speed. Variably absorbed by body tissue. Affect photographic film to produce a latent image ause certain substances to fluoresce (emit visible light)
X-rays are produced when electrons are rapidly deccelerated
Kilovoltage (kV) control
Alters the potential difference applied across the tube head during exposure.
Alters the speed and energy with which electrons hit the target and hence the pentrating power of the subsequent x-ray beam.
In some machines it is linked to mA so that if high mA is selected, kV must be reduced.
Milliamperage (mA) control
Controls the heating of the filament and hence the number of electrons released by the cathode.
This directly affects the quantity of x-rays produced.
Timer (x rays)
The time for which the exposure is applied affects the number of x-rays produced.
The quantity is usually measured as a combination of amperage and time, ie mAs.
The longer the exposure the more chance there is of a patient moving so it is preferable to use the highest mA permissible with a given kV and reduce the exposure time accordingly.
Older machines had clockwork timers but new machines have electronic timers which are quieter and more accurate.
Portable x ray machines
Stationary anode (heat lost by convection and conduction).
Self or half wave rectified.
Often fixed mA
Occasionally fixed kV.
Run from domestic supply (13 amp).
Cheaper than mobile/3-phase machines to buy and maintain.
Can be dismantled and used for domicillary examinations.