9: Radiation Health

Chapter 9 Radiation Health

Learning Objectives

1. Recognize devices and supplies designed for the protection of the patient
2. Know radiologic procedures for the protection of the patient
3. Recognize infection control procedures for patient protection
4. Recognize operator radiation protection procedures
5. Identify infection control procedures for operator protection
6. Understand the use of barriers for radiation
7. Know the use of barriers for infection control

Goal

To know all aspects of radiation health according to current standards and practices

Instructions

The subject of radiation health includes the traditional concepts of patient and operator protection from biologic damage from radiation. These practices are currently under review by the Federal government, and new guidelines with significant changes are expected sometime in 2003 or 2004. In current practice, however, the subject of infection control as it applies to dental radiology must also be included as a part of radiation health or as a separate subject, since patients and operators alike must be protected from the spread of infection or communicable diseases. Infection control practices are not optional; they are mandated by the Federal OSHA regulations and by additional state laws. Offices and institutions are subject to inspections and fines for a lack of compliance. One of the limitations of our learning experience is that infection control procedures are usually learned in association with general dental practice and rarely is explicit information available for dental radiology.

NOTE TO STUDENTS:

The term “cone” and “BID” (Beam Indicating Device) are used interchangeably. Another common term is “PID” (Position Indicating Device).

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FIGURE 9-1 Here you see an older BID design.

1. What is wrong with this picture? Explain.
2. What is the usual length of these BIDs?

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FIGURE 9-2 Here you see a short, round, open-ended BID being used with the paralleling technique. Answer the following questions:

1. What size is the diameter of the open end of the BID limited to by law?
2. What is wrong with this picture?

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FIGURE 9-3 Here you see a long round BID being used. Answer the following questions:

1. Does the long round BID design provide the lowest amount of radiation dose to the patient?
2. The long, 16-inch, round BID is said to expose the patient to less radiation than the short, 8-inch BID. Both BIDs have a diameter of 2.75 inches at the open end. If the short BID requires exposure times 4 times shorter than the long BID (this is true), how can the long BID result in less patient exposure? Explain.

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FIGURE 9-4 Here you see a long, 16-inch, rectangular BID being used. Notice the locator ring is round. Remember also, a retake doubles the dose to the patient for that exposure.

1. Why does the long rectangular BID provide less radiation exposure to the patient than the long round BID? Remember, both use the same exposure time (this is true) as long as all other factors such as machine design (AC vs. DC), kVp, mA, and film speed are the same.
2. Will a cone cut occur if a rectangular locator ring is not used?
3. In terms of BID alignment (not shape), what unique feature does the rectangular BID always have that round BIDs never have?

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FIGURE 9-5 Here you see four current collimators labeled A, B, C, and D. Answer the following questions; be sure to answer all of the questions before going to the answer page.

1. Where in the x-ray apparatus are the collimators located?
2. What material are the collimators made from?
3. Which of these is illegal for use on new equipment?
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Related posts:

  1. 2: Materials and Foreign Objects
  2. 8: Panoramic Digital Imaging
  3. 4: Intraoral Radiography: Errors Seen in Radiographs
  4. 1: Normal Anatomy
  5. 13: Radiographic Assessment and Interpretation
  6. 6: Panoramic Radiography: Clinical Technique

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Jan 12, 2015 | Posted by in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology | Comments Off on 9: Radiation Health

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