Since the evolution from conventional to digital radiography the radiation dose to patients have been significantly decreased. The radiation dose was not given much thought during the beginning of conventional x-rays, as in conventional radiography the radiographer would expose the patient and then would have to process the film in a dark room before he/she would know whether the x-ray is acceptable or not, with digital they can see immediately and adjust exposure in post-processing. Although this is not ideal, because it can become time consuming, it is still a better alternative than exposing the patient again. Digital radiography systems have the new flat panel detectors that are similar to the film-screen system and can be substituted for …show more content…
(Patel, 2005, p. 5) The representation of almost all the anatomical structures and image quality were ranked predominant in digital radiography. (Martin Uffmann M. U.-P., 2005) The equilibrium between the radiation exposure and image quality is more flexible for digital radiography than film-screen. (Martin Uffmann C. S.-P., 2009) Radiographers are the last defence against high exposures and they must thus apply the ALARA principle at all times. Collimation is the responsibility of the radiographer. (Martin Uffmanna, 2009) However, in digital systems it allows radiographers to collimate more if needed in post-processing. Collimating after exposure means that the radiographer can collimate even more to the anatomy of interest. This means contrast can be specifically optimised to the area of interest. (J. Bomer, 2013) Collimation is extremely important, because it helps to minimize the exposure to anatomy that is not of interest. As technology has improved so has our knowledge on radiation and the effects it can have on the body. Radiographers are more aware of protecting the patients with shielding, when the projection allows it. Soft pads
In the mid-1960s, an era when Technology was rapidly advancing, it became important for all the Radiology professions governing bodies, ARRT, ASRT, and ACR, to increase the standards and level of training for Radiology professionals (Phillips, 2010). This advancement began to make the term “Technician” quite limiting. So, with more emphasis on professionalism and education, the term “Technologist” was born because it accurately reflected the Associate Society of Radiologic Technologist (ASRT) membership (Phillips, 2010). This development and classification also came with additional responsibility, where all Technologists have to adhere to the standards created by the ARRT.
Advances in both radiography and radiation treatment keep on advancing and get to be more sophisticated. Cases incorporate digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in which, apparently, there is the potential for more prominent inclusion by radiographers and by radiation therapists in image guided radiation treatment. Looking even to the moderately later past underscores the degree to which change is happening in the radiography and radiation treatment work environment. Case in point, ten years prior it was radiologists who embedded cannulas for CT patients (AIR 2014, 1). Presently radiographers and attendants attempt the assignment. In private radiology hones, Australian radiographers now consistently embed central lines and do feature joint, shoulder, arm, and tendon infusions under supervision.
Radiology Technologist have been around for almost a century. “Radiology Technologist works in various places taking diagnostic imaging examinations for patients, which are x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging, and mammography.” (eHow) This job is one of the few in the world that can give the risk of cancer to the rad-techs. And is stilled one of the most needed in the medical field. Radiology Technologist needs to understand computers and what the x-rays show, and how to set up a patient for and x-ray to be taken. Radiology Technologist are one of the highest paid in the medical field. This is because the job has more risk than any other job in the medical field. The radiology technologists have used x-rays for what has almost been in use
But repeated exposure to radiation from the scans is believed to raise the risk for cell damage that may cause cancer and other health problems. Such risks also can exist for patients receiving radiation to treat tumors, for example...In Dr. Xu's lab, virtual patients are exposed to virtual radiation in doses similar to that of a CT scan or cancer-radiation treatment. Simulating a dose of radiation is a complicated process. It involves mapping out the physics of how radiation waves travel through the body and interact with different biological substances. Bones tend to absorb radiation; fat scatters it”(Wang). With these programs its shown they have been able to lower the amounts of radiation absorbed. One of the reasons the amount is lowering is because with these programs they are able to better diagnosis what it is, and know wether to do a procedure that uses radiation or not. Pregnant women struggle with the fact doctors are worried of hurting the child “train for certain surgical procedures by seeing and feeling organs virtually while using real tools. Doctors could be able to calculate the probability of a pregnant woman having a high-risk delivery, based on synthesized, three-dimensional images of the pelvic region and fetus”(Landro). It is increasing the likelihood of identifying issues in a
160. This is quite a significant jump from 1987, when the NCRP Report No. 93 stated that a mere 11% was attributed to “medical imaging with ionizing radiation.”1 (pp169-170CT) In 2012, Kyle Morford and his colleagues reported that “over the past decade CT has increased from 4% to 11% of all diagnostic imaging studies.”2 (p45) This increase in number of scans come with an increase in patient dose. When a chest CT is performed, a patient gets a dose of 8 mSv. When a radiographic exam of the chest is done in two projections, the dose is around 0.02mSv. Of course, there are patient factors and contrast administration to consider, but the difference between the two modalities is roughly 400% increase.3 (p705) Knowing this, why is shielding not practiced in computed
The articles by Branstetter, Bartholmai and Channin (2004) and Kohli, Dreyer and Geis (2015) make an important contribution to the knowledge base of radiology informatics. The overall delivery of health care has benefited greatly from the technology explosion that has affected almost every industry. This benefit has been highly visible in the practice of radiology. The introductions of radiology information systems, voice recognition dictation systems, and picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) led to significant advancements in workflow efficiencies. To this end, both articles examine informatics innovations of the past several decades that have immensely enhanced
Healthcare has evolved tremendously over the last few decades. Technology, being one of the biggest impacts has reached new heights and has advanced our learning and knowledge to places unimaginable. Many different modalities take place in the health field to ensure the greatest treatment for everyone with improving outcomes. Three modalities that have enhanced and have taken special roles in 3-D imaging include, CT scans, MRI, and Ultrasound; each with their own advantages and disadvantages. These modalities all require training, are cost effective, and take a specific amount of time to obtain all the necessary information. These same modalities have different traits regarding the use of radiation, contrast, evidence
These images call for up to 90% less radiation than with standard film type x-rays. Instead of making use of the traditional silver-oxide x-ray film that must be formulated and then fixed in caustic and ecologically harmful solutions, the new system calls for pictures by way of a small digital sensing unit and it then immediately sends a Image of the tooth on to the video monitor in the treatment room. Therefore, we can easily see your teeth and surrounding components Instantly. Not only does the new digital x-ray do away with the typical wait for x-ray film to be prepared, but it also is highly sensitive, so that patients are exposed to even less radiation than with conventional x-rays.
In a profession such as Radiologic Technologists, we perform many duties and there are several time when we decline to use radiopaque markers as a result we have to face the consequences of neglecting to give a proper patient care. The article written by the Enfinger (2015) and his purpose of writing the article is to discuss “the importance of radiopaque markers in digital x-ray.” Enfinger state that a radiographers have been taught from a very beginning of their learning stage to use radiopaque markers in a digital x-ray image. X-ray markers are used on radiographic images to determine the patient’s
Because of daily CT scan imaging, radiation can be adapted in real time to conform to a
Of course the major drawback with DBT is the amount of radiation exposure to the patient. It is estimated that the dose for a single view DBT contains about half the amount of radiation that diagnostic mammography views expose to the patient. New methods, including a new type of 2D image that is produced from 3D slices, are actively being evaluated in order to reduce radiation exposure. Over all, this and many other studies have shown the promise benefits
Patient Care is a very broad and widely talked about topic in the health care field. There are things concerning today 's medical imaging technologists, mainly the radiographic technologist that will be touched upon throughout this
This article addresses ways to improve the radiation doses in occupationally exposed interventional personnel through the implementation of new radiation protection devices. More specifically this article examines the effectiveness of a non-lead disposable drapes in a radiation exposed area of a hospital through experimentation and data collection. According to the results, the drapes “substantially reduce the radiation dose to personnel with minimal or no additional radiation exposure to the patient”. The study was conducted in 3 phases, called “Phase 1”, “Phase 2”, and “Phase 3”. Phase 1 consisted of a normal routine fluoroscopy with the standard catheterization lab equipment. Such equipment consisted of lead aprons and a C-Arm Angiographic x-ray with tight collimation capabilities and an image intensifier. This phase consisted of a fluoroscopic run with and without collimation. Phase 2 consisted a control group and an experimental group of patients. Patients in the control did not wear the radiation protecting drape. The results showed a “reduced factor of 12 for the eyes, 25.8 for the thyroid, and 29.4 for the hands”
My interest in radiography developed from an increasing concern for cancer, and its effects on society. Through my work experience in a health care setting I have realised the importance of improving people's health, and life in general. Currently, I am in my second year studying BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science. The medical physics and human anatomy segments of this course have enhanced my understanding of the significance of radiography in healthcare.
Whether it’s a surgical procedure or a general ward ,the role of a radiographer in a healthcare team is significant as a perfect image is needed to diagnose any injury or disease before initiating treatment. This is why my passion to work in a hospital environment made it clear to pursue a career in a healthcare profession. Binding my interests of biology, technology and patient care together, Diagnostic radiography became an apparent pathway for me.