Principles Of Radiation Protection Research Articles

Adherence to Radiation Protection Principles in the Clinical Environment among Anesthesia and Operating Room Nursing Students: Implications for Educational Interventions

Adherence to Radiation Protection Principles in the Clinical Environment among Anesthesia and Operating Room Nursing Students: Implications for Educational Interventions

Study of Radiation Shielding Properties of Lead, Concrete, and Water using Different Radionuclide Sources

Radiation protection for people and environment from the harmful radiation is a prime issue all over the world. Shielding is one of the basic principles of radiation protection in the existing radiation situation. Radiation interacts with the matter, and its interaction depends upon the various factor.Based on the interaction, the shielding material is selected. In the present, we have chosen the three different shielding materials namely: lead, concrete, and water. Our aim is to select the proper shielding material among these materials based on their performances. In the virtual lab work, three different types of radionuclide sources such as Co-60, Cs-137, and Am-241 of activity 1µCi have been used and results show that lead has strong shielding performance rather than concrete and water.

Radiation protection and personal dosimetry in a core facility for multimodal small animal imaging.

Clinical imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET) in combination with computed tomography (CT) are increasingly being used in biomedical research involving small animal models. The handling of open radioactive substances (radiopharmaceuticals) necessary for PET imaging requires prior official authorization for handling, the application of radiation protection principles, and regular training. The overriding aim of radiation protection is to protect the personnel directly involved, other persons, and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation.This paper aims to provide an overview of the regulatory requirements of the Radiation Protection Act (StrlSchG), the Radiation Protection Ordinance (StrlSchV), and the associated standards and guidelines. Furthermore, their implementation in practical work in small animal imaging using PET/CT is shown. We will focus on the individual steps of the imaging process, from delivery of the radiopharmaceuticals to waste disposal. This should provide interested researchers with an initial overview of the safe and successful use of the method. In addition, exposure values from the last six years in the literature were analyzed. While personal dosimetric monitoring in clinical PET/CT imaging has been extensively published, there is no published data known to us for personnel for PET/CT research with small animals. The evaluation of the personal dosimetric monitoring of our small animal imaging facility with 7 employees over 4 years revealed an increased personal and finger dose normalized to the injected activity and compared to human PET/CT imaging. Nevertheless, the annual personal dose or annual finger dose in small animal imaging (Hp(10): 1.7 mSv, Hp(0.07): 64 mSv) is lower than for personnel performing human PET/CT imaging at the local University Department of Nuclear Medicine (Hp(10): 3.8 mSv, Hp(0.07): 156 mSv) or published values, and is well below the legally permissible maximum dose of 20 or 500 mSv per year.The increasing use of PET/CT in small animal research can be safely utilized if the radiation protection principles are implemented and continuously trained. · PET/CT imaging in small animals is increasingly used in biomedical research.. · Radiation protection laws and guidelines have to be known and are relevant in animal experiments.. · Compared to published values from human medicine, activity-specific employee doses are increased in the presented imaging facility.. · The legal personal dose in the studied imaging facility is below legal limits.. · Schildt A, Sänger P, Lütgens M et al. Radiation protection and personal dosimetry in a core facility for multimodal small animal imaging. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2024; DOI 10.1055/a-2462-2419.

OPTIMIZATION OF RADIATION PROTECTION IN PATIENTS THROUGH IMPLEMENTATION OF LOCAL DIAGNOSTIC REFERENCE LEVEL (DRL) IN PANORAMIC DENTAL EXAMINATION IN RADIOLOGY INSTALLATION OF PROF. DR. MARGONO SOEKARJO HOSPITAL

One of the principles of radiation protection is optimization. Optimization is done to make the dose received as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) by considering economic and social factors. Implementation of radiation protection optimization can be done with dose management through the Local Diagnostic Reference Level (DRL). In recent years, the Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency (BAPETEN) has set the Indonesian DRL value for several X-ray modalities, including dental panoramic. This study was motivated by panoramic patient dose audit data using the auto mode exposure factor, which operators often use. The method for determining the manual mode exposure factor is carried out by comparing the image quality of the current variations of 6.3 mA, 8 mA, 10 mA, 13 mA, and 16 mA with a fixed voltage of 66 kV and a time of 14.1 seconds. The local DRL value was obtained by comparing the dental panoramic auto mode measurements with manual mode using certain exposure factors according to the recommendations in the initial study using a head phantom. This study used 100 patient data with adult human criteria aged over 15. The results obtained from the initial study and questionnaires in manual mode were the values that had the highest CNR and SNR at a current variation of 10 mA. The exposure factor was then used to collect patient data. The local DRL value obtained for auto mode was 83.35 mGy cm2; in manual mode, it was 57.7 mGy cm2. Manual mode exposure factors in dental panoramic examinations affected the implementation of local DRL values with a decrease of 30.77% from auto mode. The use of manual mode in dental panoramic examinations significantly reduces the radiation dose received by patients, so the use of manual mode is one of the steps to optimize radiation protection. Keywords: Diagnostic Reference Level (DRL), optimization of radiation protection in patients, dental panoramic.

From Nasion to Sellion: repositioning landmarks for radioprotection-tailored 3D cephalometric analysis

ABSTRACT Purpose The present study aimed to three-dimensionally evaluate the correlation between cephalometric measurements utilizing Sellion in place of Nasion. Material and methods A pilot study using 25 CBCTs was carried out to determine the required sample size, reaching a minimum of 136 patients was required to validate the correlation between Nasion(N)- and Sellion(Se)-related measurements. Eight landmarks were manually annotated on full cranium CBCTs, resulting in six skeletal and six cutaneous/skeletal measurements. Therefore, data were statistically analysed after outliers’ detection and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) calculation. Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was used to assess the correlation between Nasion and Sellion measurements. At the end, simple linear regression was performed. Values of p < 0.01 and r > 0.80 were considered statistically and clinically relevant, respectively. Results ICC revealed a substantial degree of consistency. A total of 214 CBCTs were included in the present study. Pearson test revealed highly significant correlations for all the tested variables; the highest coefficient was found between N^Me^Go vs Se^Me^Go (r = 0.989, p < 0.001) while the lowest among SNA vs SSeA (ρ = 0.814, p < 0.001). Finally, linear regression provided the new norm range values for the Sellion-based measurements. Conclusion Pearson’s coefficients between Sellion- and Nasion-related measurements exhibited significantly high levels of correlation, suggesting the potential use of Sellion-based measurements for innovative cephalometric analyses. This method might comply with radiation protection principles in CBCT-based orthodontic cephalometry.

Radiation information, protection and awareness of healthcare professionals in terms of occupational health and safety: a two–center survey study

Abstract The objective of this study was to assess the level of knowledge, protection and awareness of radiation among healthcare professionals. A total of 413 healthcare professionals from two major training and research hospitals in Istanbul took part in the study. The sample consisted of 26.6% physicians and 73.4% other healthcare professionals. There was considerable variation in the knowledge of radiation content in imaging techniques, with correct response rates of 89.3% for Computed Tomography, 80.1% for digital x-ray, and 52.8% for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. While 69.5% of respondents provided correct answers to questions regarding radiation protection principles, 64.4% demonstrated a lack of sufficient knowledge in this area. It is noteworthy that 48.4% of respondents incorrectly identified the medical imaging technique to which the public is most exposed. It was concluded that further training on radiation-related issues should be provided at the university level and through in-service training for healthcare professionals.

Development and justification of a method for presenting radiation risks associated with medical exposure of patients

The practical implementation of radiation protection principles in the medical exposure of patients often tends to fall into one of two extremes: either excessive simplification of the methodology for assessing radiation health detriment, or its excessive complexity. An example of an excessively simplified approach is the assessment of radiation risk to patients using effective dose and radiation damage coefficients (nominal risk coefficients) as presented in Norms of the Radiation Safety NRB-99/2009. An example of an unjustifiably complex approach can be considered Tables 1-2 in MR 2.6.1.0215-20 "Assessment of radiation risk to patients during X-ray diagnostic radiological examinations," which indicate "lifetime risk values of death taking into account harm from reduced quality of life due to cancer of various organs and tissues and genetic effects from medical examinations" for a wide range of medical diagnostic X-ray radiological examinations in five-year age groups of patients. The main shortcomings of the simplified approach can be considered the lack of differences in risk assessment between individuals of different sexes and ages, although the fact of higher radiosensitivity in children compared to adults and in women compared to men can be considered universally recognized. The risk assessment approach proposed in MR 2.6.1.0215-20 addresses these shortcomings. However, in the view of the authors of this study, it offers an unnecessarily detailed picture considering uncertainties inherent in risk assessments at low doses, as well as uncertainties in the method of interpopulation transfer of radiation risk proposed by the International Commission on Radiological Protection. The aim of this study was to develop and justify a simpler and more straightforward method of presenting information on radiation risks associated with medical X-ray radiological examinations, free from the main drawbacks of the two aforementioned methods. To achieve this goal, radiation risks were calculated using two methods (using effective dose and using the risk model of the International Commission on Radiological Protection). A comparative analysis of the calculation results was conducted with estimates presented in Tables 1-2 of MR 2.6.1.0215-20. As a result of the analysis, an original applied method for presenting qualitative characteristics of radiation risks was developed for use in prescribing X-ray radiological examinations and informing patients about potential health risks. The practical outcome of the study is the formation of a table of radiation risks associated with conducting studies on patients from the Russian population, using the developed method of presenting information on radiation risks.

Radiation Hazards, Protection, and Cultivating a Radiologically Safe Environment for Nurses

Medical diagnostics has been revolutionized with the discovery of X-rays. The number of radiological procedures performed globally has increased rapidly during past decades and according to UNSCEAR 2021 report, 4.2 billion medical radiological procedures are performed annually. Ionizing radiations if not used appropriately and carefully can lead to health hazards for health professionals involved in the radiation work as well as patients undergoing the radiological procedure. However, the awareness about the ionising radiation and radiation safety is very limited among the healthcare professionals. This educational paper will provide basic insights in radiation protection training, and key topics to cover during education and training for nurses working in various medical radiological procedures of patients. Nurses need to understand radiation protection principles and ways to minimize their exposure of radiation during radiological procedures. They should be able to practically apply radiation protection principles in healthcare settings with enhanced patient and occupational safety without Radiophobia. Applying radiation safety culture in nursing practice improves quality and safety in patient care.

Radiation Hazards, Protection, and Cultivating a Radiologically Safe Environment for Nurses

Medical diagnostics has been revolutionized with the discovery of X-rays. The number of radiological procedures performed globally has increased rapidly during past decades and according to UNSCEAR 2021 report, 4.2 billion medical radiological procedures are performed annually. Ionizing radiations if not used appropriately and carefully can lead to health hazards for health professionals involved in the radiation work as well as patients undergoing the radiological procedure. However, the awareness about the ionising radiation and radiation safety is very limited among the healthcare professionals. This educational paper will provide basic insights in radiation protection training, and key topics to cover during education and training for nurses working in various medical radiological procedures of patients. Nurses need to understand radiation protection principles and ways to minimize their exposure of radiation during radiological procedures. They should be able to practically apply radiation protection principles in healthcare settings with enhanced patient and occupational safety without Radiophobia. Applying radiation safety culture in nursing practice improves quality and safety in patient care.

Radiation Protection and Radiobiology

This study provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of radiation protection and radiobiology. It defines and classifies radiation, distinguishing between ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. The biological effects of radiation, with a particular emphasis on its impact on DNA and cellular structures, are examined in detail. The text specifies radiation-sensitive and radiation-resistant tissues and explains both deterministic and stochastic effects. Additionally, the discussion encompasses radioepidemiological information and the relationship between linear energy transfer and DNA damage. The article delineates the classification of radiation areas as either controlled or supervised. It offers an extensive overview of the safety and protection methods employed in radiation work, including the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle, the use of personal protective equipment, and dosimeters. Furthermore, it explains the radiation protection methods utilized in radiology units and outlines the precautions that should be taken during pregnancy. The article also presents recommendations for reducing radiation exposure. Overall, this article serves as a valuable resource on radiation safety for radiation workers and the public, containing essential information on protection from the harmful effects of radiation and safe working practices.

Assessing the Use of Radiation Protection Equipment: A Cross-Sectional Survey Among Dental Students

Background: Proper radiation protection is crucial for minimizing exposure risks in dental radiography. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, awareness, and practices of dental students regarding radiation protection equipment. Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted with 100 dental students, including third-year students, final-year students, interns, and postgraduates. The questionnaire assessed participants' understanding of radiation protection principles, use of protective equipment, and attitudes toward radiation safety. Data were analyzed using statistical methods, including chi-square tests. Results: The study found that 73% of participants had good knowledge and awareness of radiation protection equipment and radiation dosage. Despite this, adherence to recommended practices was poor. A significant association was observed between gender and the use of lead aprons during radiographs (p-value = 0.03), indicating a difference in practice based on gender. Conclusion: While dental students generally exhibit strong knowledge and awareness of radiation protection, there is a notable gap in the practical application of protective measures. The findings highlight the need for improved training and adherence to radiation safety practices to ensure the well-being of both patients and practitioners.

Investigation of radiation knowledge and awareness among healthcare professionals in Mogadishu, Somalia: a single-center survey study

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the radiation knowledge and awareness levels of healthcare workers working in a single center in Mogadishu, Somalia, in terms of age, gender and education levels of the participants. Materials and methods: The research involved 274 healthcare professionals, comprising volunteer physician and other healthcare personnel working at the Somali-Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Training and Research Hospital in Mogadishu. The face-to-face questionnaire consists of 13 questions covering radiation-sensitive or resistant tissues, radiation status of medical imaging devices, biological effects of radiation, ionizing and non-ionizing radiation symbols and radiation protection principles. The study was limited to the health personnel in the hospital. The survey had 274 participants, comprising 126 (46%) women and 148 (54%) men. Of these, 82 (29.9%) were physicians and 192 (70.1%) were other healthcare professionals. Results: It was found that health workers under the age of thirty demonstrated a significantly higher level of knowledge about radiation protection principles than their counterparts over the age of thirty (p = 0.003). Similarly, it was observed that the level of awareness regarding the extent of knowledge about radiation protection was higher in health workers under thirty years of age than in those over thirty years of age (p: 0.001). It was found to be statistically significant that males were more aware of the potential harms of radiation than females (p: 0.004). It was found to be statistically significant that men were more aware of the radiation content of mammography and X-ray imaging methods than women (p: 0.002 and p: 0.029, respectively). Conclusions: To enhance the number of healthcare professionals in Mogadishu, Somalia, who are aware of the risks associated with radiation and the methods for its mitigation, it was postulated that a comprehensive radiation information and awareness training program could be beneficial.

Assessing, Advising, and Advancing the Filling Practices of the Radiology Request Form in Africa: A Systematic Review.

Despite the increased use of diagnostic imaging in Africa, the completion of the Radiology Request Form (RRF) remains suboptimal, often relying on paper-based communication. To examine the practices surrounding RRF completion in the African continent, on 25 March 2024, we conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed articles describing the practice in African settings. Non-African studies, studies involving non-human subjects, and articles examining the practice of the RRF for interventional usage were excluded. Our search involves PubMed/MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and African Journals Online. The included studies were 3004, of which 30 met the inclusion criteria. These studies span eight countries and highlighted several shortcomings, including the usage of informal forms, unconventional abbreviations, illegibility, inaccuracy, and the lack of important fields from institutional forms, commonly the last menstrual period and the referrer's contact details. We also found widespread non-compliance in all RRF fields; half of the studies did not have an adequately filled form. Incomplete RRFs lead to delayed imaging, increased workloads for radiographers and radiologists, and potential misdiagnoses due to insufficient information. It will also impede the application of radiation protection principles. To address these challenges, empowering radiographers and radiologists and encouraging best practices is essential. Regular audits and educational initiatives aimed at clinicians are recommended. While transitioning to a paperless communication system might help, implementing nationwide quality improvement projects to standardise radiology request forms is currently more feasible.

Let's talk about radiation dose and radiation protection in children.

Children are more sensitive to ionizing radiation than adults. Even though the risk is very low, exposure from radiological examinations can possibly cause them long-term side effects. Recent large epidemiological studies involving children and young adults have added evidence suggesting that even small doses of radiation, such as those from computed tomography scans, might slightly increase the risk of developing cancer later in life. Therefore, even though radiologic studies are essential for an accurate diagnosis and management of various conditions, it is crucial to minimize radiation exposure. This article addresses radiation protection for children in the medical use of ionizing radiation and it is set in the context of the European legislative framework regarding radiation protection. It advocates for a holistic approach to paediatric radiological tests. This approach includes the key principles of radiation protection, such as the justification of imaging procedures supported by referral guidelines, as well as the optimization of techniques (according to the ALARA principle) and effective communication with parents about the benefits and the risks of radiologic procedures. Protecting children from unnecessary radiation is not only a technical challenge, but also a moral obligation and a legal requirement.

Radiographers’ attitudes toward the principles of patient radiation protection in the Souss Massa region of Morocco

Introduction: Radiographers play a vital role in patient radiation protection. Their training, supervision, and involvement in radiation protection programmes require greater attention from all stakeholders. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between March and August 2023 to assess Radiographers’ attitudes toward the principles of patient radiation protection in the Souss Massa region of Morocco. An anonymous questionnaire containing 22 questions was sent to 80 radiographers practicing in the Sous Massa region. Results: 67.5% of the radiographers confirmed that they did not use a guide to radiological procedures. 85% of them confirmed that they had checked for the possibility of pregnancy each time a woman of childbearing age was involved in a conventional X-ray, compared with 97.5% who checked for the possibility of pregnancy in a CT scan. 97.5 % of our participants said that they automatically (without medical advice) repeated the X-ray examination if the image was not interpretable. 90% of radiographers said that they did not report parameters for dose estimation for each conventional X-ray examination, and 72.5% did not report data for dose estimation for CT-scan examinations. The results showed no association between gender and professional experience on the one hand and radiographers’ practices on the other. Nevertheless, there is an association between the workplace and certain radiographers’ practices, indicating the lack of a regional strategy aimed at standardizing procedures and radiation protection practices at the level of all radiology departments. Conclusion: It is vital to launch a patient dose management program in the Souss Massa region and campaigns to raise radiographers’ awareness of recommended patient radiation protection practices.

Medical staff monitoring in interventional cardiology: over apron dosemeter placement based on measurements and simulations.

Interventional cardiology is characterized by high radiation exposure for both the patient and the operator. Adequate shielding and monitoring of the operator are fundamental to comply with radiation protection principles. In a previous work, the effect on the dose of the dosemeter position on the chest was studied. In this paper, the investigation has been completed, employing an anthropomorphic thorax phantom, equipped with arms. Although there are differences between the Monte Carlo simulations and the measurements, similar trends are observed, showing that the reduction in dose, due to the arms, is between 20 and 60%, compared with the situation without arms. For that reason, considering a dosemeter placed on the chest, the upper position, which is the least affected by the arms, should be preferred while the extreme lateral position, near the armpit, should be avoided.

Hysterosalpingography Investigation Versus Patients’ Radiation Dose Risk

Background: Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is a useful radiographic investigation involving the use of contrast medium for the management of infertility in females. It is however, not only a costly procedure but it is also a semi-invasive procedure and carries some radiation risks. One principle of radiation protection is justification of practice which means that the overall benefit of the procedure should outweigh the radiation risks. The aim of this study was to determine justification of HSG procedure by assessing the rate and pattern of pregnancy success among infertile women who underwent HSG procedures at a tertiary hospital in South Eastern Nigeria between 2016 and 2020. Methods: a retrospective cross-sectional study of a sample of 222 women, aged 20-46years (mean 32,55 ±8,16years) who underwent HSG examination at the hospital between 2016 and 2020 was made. The data of eligible subjects were collected from the archives of radiology department of the hospital. Results: The result showed that 121 (54,5 %) out of 222 of the patients achieved pregnancy with proper follow up infertility management. Of the 121, 48(39,67 %) were in the 25-29 years age group and 35(28,93 %) in the 30-34years age group. The commonest pathology found was uterine fibroid 71(32,0 %), followed by tubal blockage, 42(18,92 %) while the least occurring pathology was salpingitis isthmica nodosa 1(0,45 %). Conclusion: there was a strong positive correlation between the age of patient, the HSG findings and the rate of pregnancy success. The procedure is justified in all the age groups except for the &gt;45years group

Evaluation of the Status of Knowledge, Attitude, and Performance of Radiology Department Staff Regarding Radiation Safety Principles at Hospitals in the North and Northeast of Iran

Purpose: Although ionizing radiation is useful in diagnosing various diseases, it can cause potential biological damage such as cancer, cataracts, and fetal damage for patients and staff working in radiology departments. Therefore, knowledge and practice about applying radiation protection principles are essential. This research investigates radiology personnel's knowledge, attitude, and performance regarding radiation protection in the north and northeast of Iran.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted using a 30-item questionnaire among 435 radiology personnel in North Khorasan, Razavi Khorasan, Golestan, and Mazandaran provinces. This questionnaire included questions related to demographic information and the level of knowledge, attitude, and performance of radiology personnel regarding radiation protection. Data was also analyzed using SPSS-19 software.&#x0D; Results: The participation rate of radiology personnel was 80.55%, and the mean and standard deviation of their knowledge, attitude, and performance regarding radiation protection were 45.9907 ± 1.294, 78.1531 ± 4.707, and 44.9368 ± 6.88, respectively. Based on the results of the study, there is no significant relationship between gender and knowledge (P = 0.781), attitude (P = 0.156), and performance of personnel (P = 0.87); however, a significant relationship was observed between education degree and attitude of personnel (P = 0.026), between working years and knowledge of personnel (P = 0.019), and also between job title and attitude of personnel (P = 0.003).&#x0D; Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that there is a significant relationship between education degree and attitude of personnel, working years, and knowledge of personnel, and also between job title and attitude of the personnel. According to these results, our population, both personnel and patients have relatively poor performance and poor knowledge about radiation safety principles. Therefore, formal training in the use of ionizing radiation equipment is necessary for radiation safety.

Measurement of Hp(10), Hp(3) and Hp(0.07) to medical staff in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, using thermoluminescence dosimetry.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is widely used in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic and bile duct disorders. The procedure is performed under the guidance of fluoroscopy. This study aims to investigate the dose received by staff in the Endoscopy Department of AbuAli Sina Medicine and Organ Transplant Hospital in Shiraz. The dosimetry was performed using thermoluminescent dosemeters (TLD), type TLD-100. The values of Hp(10), Hp(3) and Hp(0.07) were estimated for the staff for 2months. According to the results obtained in this study, the equivalent dose of the gastroenterologist's body, eye lenses and hands was 0.045±0.001mSv, 0.111±0.014mSv and 0.357±0.034$\mathrm{mSv}$, respectively. This study showed that the annual radiation exposure for ERCP department staff of Abu Ali Sinai Hospital is less than the annual dose limit. However, if the principles of proper radiation protection and individual dosimetry are followed, the dose to staff members can be reduced.

Principles of Radiation Protection for Patients and Medical Staff

Principles of Radiation Protection for Patients and Medical Staff