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VNO2 🐶 > Radiography Health And Safety 🚧 > Flashcards

Radiography Health And Safety 🚧 Flashcards

(52 cards)

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1
Q

What is an X-ray?

A

A type of electromagnetic radiation produced in parcels of energy called photons.

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2
Q

What is a radiograph?

A

An image made using x-rays.

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3
Q

What type of radiation are X-rays classified as?

A

Ionising radiation.

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4
Q

What is ionising radiation?

A

Radiation that carries enough energy to knock electrons from atoms or molecules, thereby ionising them.

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5
Q

Name three types of ionising radiations produced by radioactive substances.

A
  • Alpha particles
  • Beta particles
  • Gamma rays
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6
Q

List some properties of X-rays.

A
  • They can travel in a vacuum
  • They interact with matter by being absorbed
  • They travel in a straight line
  • They travel at the same speed.
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7
Q

What may occur when living cells are damaged by ionising radiation?

A
  • Cells may die
  • Cells may become cancerous
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8
Q

What is wavelength?

A

The distance between one wave peak and the next.

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9
Q

What is frequency?

A

The number of waves per second.

Frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz).

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10
Q

Fill in the blank: The smaller the wavelength, the _______.

A

higher the frequency.

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11
Q

Fill in the blank: The higher the frequency, the _______.

A

greater the energy of the wave.

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12
Q

List the types of electromagnetic radiation in order from lowest to highest energy.

A
  • Radio waves
  • Microwaves
  • Infrared
  • Visible light
  • Ultraviolet
  • X-rays
  • Gamma rays
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13
Q

What are the properties of X-rays that make them useful for diagnostic imaging?

A
  • The energy can be captured to produce images
  • Can penetrate substances that are opaque to light
  • Can interact with tissues
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14
Q

What are the properties of X-rays that contribute to their danger?

A
  • Invisible
  • Painless
  • Effects are latent
  • Effects are cumulative
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15
Q

What are the somatic effects of X-ray exposure?

A
  • Skin reddening and cracking
  • Loss of hair
  • Bone marrow depression
  • Vomiting and diarrhea
  • Cataract formation
  • Foetal damage
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16
Q

What are carcinogenic effects of X-rays?

A

Induction of cancer due to DNA mutations with a latent period before clinical signs develop

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17
Q

What is the latent period for some leukaemias to develop after X-ray exposure?

A

3 - 5 years for some, up to 20 - 30 years for others

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18
Q

What should be checked by an engineer to ensure safety during X-ray exposure?

A

Leakage from the X-ray tube head

It is important to avoid holding or touching the tube head during exposure to prevent radiation exposure.

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19
Q

What is the purpose of the aluminium filter in an X-ray tube head?

A

To remove ‘soft’ X-rays that contribute to radiation hazard

The thickness of the aluminium filter depends on the kV potential of the X-ray tube head.

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20
Q

What is the best method for collimation in X-ray procedures?

A

Using a light beam diaphragm

Accurate collimation ensures that the X-ray beam size does not exceed the size of the film or cassette.

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21
Q

What is the maximum size of the X-ray beam relative to the film or cassette?

Study These Flashcards
A

Must not exceed the size of the film or cassette

A good radiograph shows all four edges of the film or cassette.

22
Q

What should not enter the primary beam during an X-ray procedure?

Study These Flashcards
A

NO part of any person

This includes areas covered by protective clothing.

23
Q

What is scattered radiation and when does it occur?

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A

Produced due to the interaction of X-rays with the patient or other matter

Scattered radiation can occur in any direction and poses a hazard to both the patient and the operator.

24
Q

What are some ways to minimize the risk of scattered radiation?

Study These Flashcards
A
  • Stand at least 2 m away
  • Collimate well
  • Wear PPE

These measures help reduce exposure to scattered radiation.

25
What materials are commonly used to make protective clothing for X-ray procedures?
Rubber impregnated with lead ## Footnote Protective clothing includes aprons, gloves, sleeves, and thyroid protectors.
26
What type of radiation do protective clothing provide protection against?
Scatter radiation ## Footnote Protective clothing does not protect against the primary beam.
27
By what percentage does protective clothing decrease the primary beam strength?
25% of its original strength ## Footnote This indicates that even with protective clothing, the primary beam can still pose a serious hazard.
28
By what percentage does protective clothing decrease scattered radiation strength?
5% of its original strength ## Footnote This shows the effectiveness of protective clothing against scattered radiation.
29
What are the requirements for lead aprons?
Should be worn by anyone present in the X-ray room during an exposure, have a front and back, and reach at least thigh length Lead thickness should be at least 0.25mm LE.
30
What should never be done with lead aprons?
Never fold lead aprons as this can cause cracking ## Footnote Lead aprons are expensive.
31
What is the minimum lead thickness for gloves and sleeves?
At least 0.35mm LE thickness ## Footnote Simply laying a sleeve over hands provides no protection against back scatter.
32
What do thyroid protectors do?
Protect the thyroid gland, which is particularly sensitive to radiation ## Footnote They are used in conjunction with an apron.
33
How often should all protective clothing be radiographed?
Annually ## Footnote This ensures continued effectiveness of the protective gear.
34
What is the purpose of dosemeter devices?
To record the level of exposure to radiation of individuals regularly involved with radiography ## Footnote Must be worn on the trunk under the lead gown.
35
What are the two main types of dosemeters?
* Film badges * Thermo-luminescent dosemeters (TLDs) ## Footnote TLDs contain radiation sensitive lithium fluoride crystals.
36
What should be done with dosemeters every 1 - 3 months?
They should be sent back for reading ## Footnote This depends on caseload.
37
What does the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17) state about dosimetry records?
Should be kept for not less than 30 years after the last day of work ## Footnote This ensures long-term monitoring of exposure.
38
Define Maximum Permissible Dose (MPD).
Arbitrary doses thought not to lead to a very high health risk ## Footnote Legal limits have been laid down for different body parts and different age groups.
39
What is the MPD for employees over 18 years?
20 mSv ## Footnote mSv = millisievert.
40
What is the MPD for employees aged 16 - 18 years?
6 mSv ## Footnote This is lower than the limit for those over 18 years.
41
What is the recommended dose for individuals under 16 years old or pregnant?
Less than 1 mSv ## Footnote Ideally, these individuals should not be exposed to radiation at all.
42
What is a key requirement for radiography according to IRR17?
Radiography should only be undertaken if there is clinical justification ## Footnote This ensures that radiographic procedures are necessary and not performed unnecessarily.
43
What must be kept to a minimum according to the IRR17?
Exposure of personnel ## Footnote This is a critical aspect of radiation safety in medical practices.
44
What are Local Rules in the context of X-ray facilities?
A set of rules applying to the use of X-ray facilities, drawn up with advice from the Radiation Protection Advisor (RPA) ## Footnote These rules ensure safe practices and compliance with regulations.
45
Who is the Radiation Protection Advisor (RPA)?
An external person with specific qualifications in radiography ## Footnote The RPA provides guidance on radiation safety and compliance.
46
What is the responsibility of the Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS)?
To ensure that radiography is carried out in accordance with the Local Rules ## Footnote The RPS is typically a member of the practice.
47
Why are radiation warning signs important?
They indicate areas of radiation risk and must be displayed appropriately ## Footnote Knowledge of the symbol and its display is essential for safety.
48
What does ALARP stand for?
As low as reasonably practicable ## Footnote This principle is aimed at minimizing radiation exposure while still achieving diagnostic imaging.
49
What is considered the controlled area in an X-ray room?
Generally the zone a 2m radius around the primary beam, determined by the RPA ## Footnote The definition of this area ensures safety during radiographic procedures.
50
What should be done if the controlled area extends outside the room?
Adequately shielded walls are required ## Footnote This may involve using brick walls or lining thin walls with lead products or barium plaster.
51
What is the minimum distance personnel should stand from the primary beam?
At least 2m away ## Footnote This distance is crucial for minimizing radiation exposure during X-ray procedures.
52
Before radiography can be performed for the first time a risk assessment must be carried out by who?
Health and safety executive

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