X-ray Procedures Research Articles

Determination of Diagnostic Reference Level for Pelvis X-Ray Procedures in Some Radiological Facilities in Abuja Metropolis, Nigeria

Determination of Diagnostic Reference Level for Pelvis X-Ray Procedures in Some Radiological Facilities in Abuja Metropolis, Nigeria

Insights into patient awareness and preferences in medical imaging procedures involving ionizing radiation

Abstract Introduction: Advancements in technology have revolutionized the landscape of medical imaging, offering a multitude of modalities. However, this progress is not always fully traceable to patients, necessitating studies in this area to bridge the gap between technological advancements and patients’ insights. This study delves into patient awareness, preferences, and understanding concerning radiation risk in medical imaging procedures using ionizing radiation. Material and methods: An anonymous survey was conducted among 152 patients in Bulgaria who underwent X-ray procedures to gauge their insights into medical imaging. Data analysis utilized SPSS version 20.0, computing frequencies and percentages for categorical variables like gender, age, and education. Results: Significant correlations were found between gender and the need for knowledge related to radiation risks (χ2 = 4.622, p = 0.032), as well as patient understanding of radiation dose information and decision-making preferences (χ2 = 10.800; p = 0.020). Female participants showed higher awareness levels in these areas compared to male participants. Younger patients, notably aged 36-50 (52.6%), comprised a significant portion undergoing X-ray imaging, diverging from global trends. Age correlated with the frequency of X-ray examinations (χ2 = 171.256; p = 0.000) and decision-making preferences (χ2 = 8.324; p = 0.016), with older patients favoring informed decisions with physician input. Education levels significantly influenced radiation risk awareness (χ2 = 7.084, p = 0.008) and understanding of radiation dose information (χ2 = 14.752, p = 0.001). Patients with higher education levels demonstrated a significantly better understanding of absorbed radiation doses compared to those with secondary education. These findings highlight the influence of demographic factors such as gender, age, and education on patient awareness, knowledge acquisition, and decision-making processes regarding medical imaging and radiation risks. Conclusions: Tailored communication strategies, informed consent practices, and ongoing specialist education are crucial to enhancing patient awareness, optimizing decision-making processes, and ensuring radiation safety in medical imaging. Implementation of electronic health records can further improve radiation exposure monitoring, aligning with evolving technological standards and patient needs.

Standardizing X-Ray and Angiography Procedure Coding in Estonia: Validating TermX Through the Implementation of SNOMED CT.

The existence of multiple code systems and standards has highlighted the necessity for innovative solutions to bridge these discrepancies. This research investigates the utilisation of TermX to tackle the challenges of interoperability in radiology procedures, with a specific emphasis on angiography and X-ray modalities. The study produced a revised RadLex data model and mapping guide, designed to classify radiology services using TermX. In total, 380 concepts were required to comprehensively describe all 622 procedures examined. Our study demonstrates the effectiveness of TermX in simplifying the process of mapping between code systems, thus enabling more efficient analysis, and reporting of data.

About the necessary thickness of stationary shield in X-ray dental rooms

In the paper, based on the analysis of scientific information regarding the parameters and characteris-tics of radiation fields for three dental X-ray procedures (intraoral radiographs, panoramic radiographs on orthopantomographs and computed tomography), the required thickness of stationary shields for rooms with different X-ray equipment is calculated. It has been shown that in most cases, in rooms where intraoral and panoramic radiographs are taken, conventional 20 mm thick plasterboard interior room partitions provide the necessary protection to comply with the dose limit for the population in the adjacent room. For the rooms where dental examinations are carried out using computed tomographs additional lead shield up to 1.5 mm thick is required depending on the conditions and the category of protected persons in the adjacent room.

Synthesis and analysis of composite comprising polybutylene succinate (PBS) and iodine contrast media for enhanced X-ray radiation shielding

ABSTRACT Within the field of radiology, safeguarding against radiation is crucial, particularly in diagnostic procedures like X-rays, as radiation exposure holds the potential to harm cellular DNA. Presently, lead serves as the predominant material for radiation shielding. However, its usage raises environmental concerns owing to its toxic properties. The objective of this study is to investigate a radiation shielding alternative to lead and assess its efficacy in protecting against radiation. We examined the radiation absorption properties of material made from a composite of PBS and iodine contrast media in various proportions. Our findings indicate that the shielding material containing 75% iodine have the greatest ability to reduce radiation dose from X-rays but are still less than lead. Moreover, the PBS composite with iodine contrast media proved to be environmentally friendly, flexible, and exhibited excellent shielding performance in mitigating exposure during diagnostic X-ray procedures.

Assessing and improving radiation safety in cardiac catheterization: a study from Cairo University Hospital

BackgroundCatheter laboratories are high-radiation exposure environments, especially during X-ray procedures like percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and electrophysiological studies. Radiation exposure poses risks of stochastic (e.g., cancer) and deterministic (e.g., skin changes) effects. This study assessed radiation safety and health practices in a cardiac catheterization unit to optimize radiation safety. A cross-sectional study in Cairo University Hospital (March–September 2019) evaluated 700 patients and healthcare workers. Real-time radiation measurements, educational lectures, and radiation protection measures were implemented in three phases. Data on radiation exposure, procedures, and compliance were collected and analyzed.ResultsThe total procedure time and fluoroscopy time per cardiologist did not significantly differ between phases, but there was a statistically significant reduction in the mean total cumulative radiation doses between Phase I and Phase III for cardiologists (P = 0.013). Among nurses and technicians, there was no significant difference in radiation doses between the two phases. Significant correlations were found between operators' radiation doses, procedure time, and fluoroscopy time. Patients' radiation doses decreased significantly from Phase I to Phase III, with correlations between dose, procedure time, and gender. Compliance with radiation protection measures was suboptimal.ConclusionsCompliance with radiation safety standards in the cardiac catheterization unit at the Cairo University Hospital needs improvement. The study highlights the importance of adhering to radiation safety principles and optimizing protective measures to reduce radiation exposure for both patients and healthcare personnel. Despite low compliance, significant reductions in radiation doses were achieved with increased awareness and adherence to specific protection measures. Future efforts should focus on enhancing radiation safety protocols and organ-specific radiation impact assessments.

Chest X-Ray ESD and ESAK Assessment in A Few Diagnostic Radiological Facilities in Delta State

Background: The utilization of X-rays in medical procedures has sparked apprehension regarding their potential adverse consequences, despite their undeniable advantages in the realms of diagnosis and therapy. The present study aimed to evaluate the levels of Entrance Skin Dose (ESD) and Entrance Skin Air Kerma (ESAK) associated with chest X-ray examinations conducted in diagnostic radiological facilities located within Delta State. The present study employed a standardized approach to describe the materials and methods used in the research. The dose assessment was performed on a sample of 700 patients who were 18 years of age or older. These patients were selected from 10 operational facilities located throughout the State. The findings of the study are as follows: The effective dose (ESD), ascertained through the utilization of patient anatomical data and exposure parameters, fell within the recommended reference dose limits of 1 mGy (National Nuclear Regulatory Agency) and 0.4 mGy (International Atomic Energy Agency) for the majority of healthcare facilities. Nevertheless, certain centers demonstrated elevated dose levels, which can be attributed to factors such as increased exposure rates, aging x-ray tubes, and inadequate technician competency. The effective dose values (ESD) exhibited a range of 0.018 to 1.671 mGy for males and 0.084 to 1.542 mGy for females. The range of Entrance Skin Air Kerma (ESAK) values for males was found to be between 0.019 and 0.085 mGy, while for females it ranged from 0.016 to 0.098 mGy. These values were observed to be within the recommended dose limits. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the significance of surveillance of radiation exposure and the implementation of quality assurance protocols in order to safeguard patient well-being and mitigate potential hazards linked to chest X-ray procedures conducted in diagnostic radiological establishments.

The Effectiveness of Nursing Interventions in Educating Patients about the Importance of Adhering to Medication Regimens Following Laboratory and X-ray Procedures

The Effectiveness of Nursing Interventions in Educating Patients about the Importance of Adhering to Medication Regimens Following Laboratory and X-ray Procedures

Improved joint X-ray and neutron refinement procedure in Phenix.

Neutron diffraction is one of the three crystallographic techniques (X-ray, neutron and electron diffraction) used to determine the atomic structures of molecules. Its particular strengths derive from the fact that H (and D) atoms are strong neutron scatterers, meaning that their positions, and thus protonation states, can be derived from crystallographic maps. However, because of technical limitations and experimental obstacles, the quality of neutron diffraction data is typically much poorer (completeness, resolution and signal to noise) than that of X-ray diffraction data for the same sample. Further, refinement is more complex as it usually requires additional parameters to describe the H (and D) atoms. The increase in the number of parameters may be mitigated by using the `riding hydrogen' refinement strategy, in which the positions of H atoms without a rotational degree of freedom are inferred from their neighboring heavy atoms. However, this does not address the issues related to poor data quality. Therefore, neutron structure determination often relies on the presence of an X-ray data set for joint X-ray and neutron (XN) refinement. In this approach, the X-ray data serve to compensate for the deficiencies of the neutron diffraction data by refining one model simultaneously against the X-ray and neutron data sets. To be applicable, it is assumed that both data sets are highly isomorphous, and preferably collected from the same crystals and at the same temperature. However, the approach has a number of limitations that are discussed in this work by comparing four separately re-refined neutron models. To address the limitations, a new method for joint XN refinement is introduced that optimizes two different models against the different data sets. This approach is tested using neutron models and data deposited in the Protein Data Bank. The efficacy of refining models with H atoms as riding or as individual atoms is also investigated.

X-ray Procedures for Radiosensitive Pelvic Organs in Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, X-ray procedures for radiosensitive pelvic organs are conducted in accordance with international standards and guidelines to ensure patient safety and minimize radiation exposure. Justification: Before performing any X-ray procedure, the healthcare provider must assess the medical necessity and benefits of the examination for the patient. Equipment and Facility: Modern X-ray machines and facilities in Saudi Arabia are equipped with advanced technology to optimize image quality while minimizing radiation exposure. Shielding and Protection: Radiology departments have shielding measures in place to protect patients and staff from unnecessary radiation exposure. They will be positioned appropriately on the X-ray table to ensure the best possible imaging of the pelvic region. Radiation Dose Optimization: Radiologists and radiologic technologists follow the "as low as reasonably achievable" (ALARA) principle to minimize radiation exposure while obtaining diagnostically useful images. They use appropriate exposure settings and techniques tailored to the patient's specific needs. Alternative Imaging Modalities: In some cases, alternative imaging modalities such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used instead of X-rays to avoid radiation exposure to radiosensitive pelvic organs, especially in pregnant women or children. It's important to note that specific details and protocols may vary between different healthcare facilities and individual cases. If you or someone you know requires an X-ray procedure for radiosensitive pelvic organs, it is best to consult with a healthcare provider or radiologist in Saudi Arabia who can provide accurate and up-to-date information based on the latest guidelines and practices

English

English

Analytical Optimization of X-ray Mammography for Increased Benefits and Safety; using: Data Analytics, Electronics Engineering and Artificial Intelligence

Objective: To analyse, understand and investigate common X-ray Mammography techniques, terminologies and properties; and how the X-ray Mammography systems can be optimized for a safer, more effective, more efficient, more energy efficient procedure for breast cancer diagnosis; using Deep Learning (DL)/ Artificial Intelligence (AI), Analytical, Electronic Engineering, tools and Methodologies. Methods: Using data and breast cancer image datasets from validated open source data stores; investigative and comparative analyses were carried out on common X-ray Mammography techniques in relation to breast cancer diagnosis and treatments for Women; as well as optimization analyses using Electronic engineering principles and Artificial Intelligence principles on the quality, intensity, radiation photon energy, HVL(Half Value Layer), Tube current-time product, Metal filters properties (e.g. K-edge energy cut off), and classification validation accuracy of the X-ray Mammography properties, procedure, processes and systems. The methodical and data-driven analyses were carried out using the following Data, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Electronic Engineering, methodologies and algorithms: Data Analytics, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) in Machine Learning (ML) Engineering, and X-ray-Impedance Circuit Composite System Analysis

Correlation of Entrance Skin Dose with Body Mass Index of Patients Undergoing Routing X-Ray Examination at Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, North-Eastern Nigeria

This study was conducted to assess the amount of dose received by patients undergoing routine x-ray examinations at Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe in Gombe State, Nigeria. Entrance skin doses (ESDs) for different kinds of x-ray procedures, include Posterior Anterior (PA) and Lateral (Lat) chest, Anterior Posterior (AP) Abdomen, AP pelvis, AP and Lat lumber spine and PA and Lat skull were assessed using standard exposure parameters. Data were obtained from eighty (80) patients who were exposed to diagnostic X-ray during their regular X-ray examinations. The patients’ age ranged from 1 to 80 years, while the weight was between 20kg and 100kg and height of these patients was between 95.0cm and 171cm. The skin dose of each patient was evaluated using a formula, based on the radiographic exposure parameters of kVp, mAS, SSD, the X-ray tube and the total filtration of the beams. The mean entrance skin dose ranged from 0.016 mGy to 3.168 mGy. Eventually, the ESDs measured for these x-ray procedures were found to be below the maximum permissible limits set by Nigeria Basic Ionizing Radiation Regulation and all the examinations conducted showed that there is a good correlation between the entrance skin doses and body mass index for the studied subjects. This implies that patients with higher body mass index will received more dose than the patients with low body mass index.

The Effectiveness of Radiation Protection in Medical Field- A Short Review

The growing of X-ray imaging around the world has implication towards radiation protection of medical field. Higher usage in radiation commonly have been seen as a simple workload issue without future challenges. Unfortunately, due to improvement in technology and techniques, it caused the amount of X-ray procedures increase which requiring medical professionals in order to ensure patient who exposed to radiation has maintain their close physical contact. As many processes are complex, risk of severe occupational exposure become higher, thus necessary steps should be considered. It is important to ensure the lower effects of exposure are achievable. If the dosage limit for the lens of the eye is lowered in the near future, additional attention to eye protection may be required. There are many essential elements needed in ensuring medical field especially for X-ray imaging to be more proper and reasonably secured for example education and training in radiation protection.

New Frontiers for Communication between Radiographers and Paediatric Patients with Infectious Disease during Chest X-Ray Procedures

The communication between radiographers and paediatric patients with infectious disease during chest x-ray procedures is crucial to ensure the quality of healthcare services provided.

Radiation Dose Estimation to Adult Patients Undergoing Diagnostic Chest X-Rays Examinations in Kebbi State, North-Western Nigeria

The hyperconsciousness of radiation dose delivered to the patient during chest radiological X-ray procedures are prerequisite to negate menace of exposure. The pinpoint of this research is to inquest radiation doses received by the patient for routine individual radiological chest x-ray procedures in health care system associated to Kebbi State Government, Nigeria. Entrance Surface Dose and effective dose in accordance with the exposure factors collected for the real examinations were estimated by Cal Dose_X 5.0 software. Diagnostic reference levels [75^th percentile] and other statistical parameters were calculated by the use of M. S excels spread sheet. The results obtained for ESD in this research work were 2.95mGy, 2.24mGy & 2.25mGy and 1.71mGy, 1.77mGy & 2.55mGy for Chest anteroposterior [AP], posteroanterior [PA] and lateral [LAT] respectively for Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital (SYMH) and Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Birnin Kebbi. The effective doses were 0.68 mSv, 0.18 mSv& 0.09 mSv and 0.31 mSv, 0.13 mSv & 0.14 mSv for Chest AP, PA & LAT for SYMH and FMC respectively. Similarly, diagnostic reference level for chest AP, PA, & LAT were 2.34, 3.32 & 2.82, and 2.02, 1.88 & 3.19 respectively for SYMH and FMC. The results were compared with national and international studies. The ESD and DRLs reported in this research work for chest examinations were remarkably higher than that of the European Commission (2010), Australia (2017), NRPB (2000), UNSCEAR (2008), Iran (2008) and other research work reported elsewhere. For effective dose, the results were comparatively high except for few research work published in literatures. Therefore, the obtained results in this work revealed that the variations in the results among the two centres and other studies may likely be due to the improper selection of exposure parameters, patientbody sizes, and technical know-how of the staff. Finally, proper selection of radiological parameters and educational training to the staff can significantly reduce the risk of absorbed dose to patients.

How to set up a mobile X-ray unit in the community - Implementation initiatives for patient-centred care

BackgroundMobile X-ray unit have previously been widely used within hospitals in general, predominately for imaging patients admitted to intensive care units or for patients who cannot tolerate a visit to the radiology department. It is now possible to have an X-ray examination outside the hospital in nursing homes or to bring the service to frail, vulnerable or disabled patients. A visit to the hospital can be a frightening experience for vulnerable patients living with dementia or other neurological disorder. It can potentially have a long-term impact on the patient's recovery or behaviour. This technical note aimed to provide insight into the planning and running of a mobile X-ray unit in a Danish setting. MethodsThis technical note draws on the lived experiences of radiographers operating and managing a mobile X-ray service, sharing experiences with the implementation process and the challenges and successes of a mobile X-ray unit. Results and key findingsSuccesses include that frail patient, especially those with dementia, benefit from mobile X-ray examinations, as they can remain in familiar surroundings during an X-ray procedure. In general, patients experienced an increased quality of life and less need for sedation medication due to anxiety. Also, working within a mobile X-ray unit is meaningful work for radiographers. Challenges included increased physicality of work, the funding required for the mobile unit, planning a communication strategy to the referring general practitioners, and permission from authorities to perform mobile examinations. ConclusionWe have successfully implemented a mobile radiography unit that provides a better service for vulnerable patients through learning from successes and challenges. Implications for practiceThe mobile radiography setup can benefit vulnerable patients and provide meaningful work for the radiographers. However, transportation of mobile radiography equipment outside the hospital includes many considerations and challenges.

Communication during children's X-ray procedures and children's experiences of the procedure: A scoping review

IntroductionCommunication is a central part of radiological procedures and influences children's experiences. Previous research concentrates on communication and experiences during complex radiological procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Less is known about the communication that occurs with children undergoing procedures, such as non-urgent X-ray procedures, or the impact communication has on a child's experience. ObjectivesThis scoping review examined evidence relating to the communication which occurs between children, parents and radiographers during children's X-ray procedures and how children experience undergoing X-ray procedures. Key findingsThe comprehensive search identified eight papers. Evidence shows that radiographers dominate communication during X-ray procedures, with their communication in many cases being instructional, closed and limiting the opportunities for children to be involved. Evidence indicates that radiographers have a role in facilitating children in actively engaging in communication during their procedure. The papers that sought children's first-hand experiences highlight children's mainly positive experiences of having an X-ray, and the importance of informing children about their X-ray before and during the procedure. ConclusionsThe scarcity of literature highlights a need for research exploring communication during children's radiological procedures and children's first-hand experiences of undergoing these procedures. Findings highlight a need for an approach that recognises the importance of dyadic (radiographer and child), and triadic (radiographer, parent and child) communication opportunities during an X-ray procedure. Implications for practiceThis review highlights a need for an inclusive and participatory approach to communication that recognises children's voice and agency in X-ray procedures.

Analysis of the radiation levels in the population of the Oryol region during X-ray radiological studies

The article deals with the problems of medical exposure (ME), since it is the predominant source of artificial exposure and one of the essential types of exposure of the population as a whole. In the course of the study, the dose load of ionizing radiation sources (IRS) used for medical purposes on the population of the Oryol region in 1998–2018 was analyzed based on the results of the analysis of the fleet of X-ray diagnostic equipment, data from radiation passports and official annual medical statistics. To achieve the goal of the study, statistical methods were used, methods of retrospective epidemiological analysis of data on medical exposure of the population of the Oryol region. We used data from 15 million X-ray procedures recorded by the official annual medical statistics of dynamic changes over 20 years from 1998 to 2018 (form No. 30) and data from 800 annual No. 3‑DOZ — forms of federal state statistical observation in the Oryol region for the period 2001–2018 provided by medical institutions. The patient pays for information with a high risk of radiation exposure. The reason for the increase in medical exposure is the increasing use of interventional radiology in recent years. Medical exposure carries the risk of stochastic effects. The incidence of malignant neoplasms among the population of the Oryol region has increased by 14 % over the past 5 years, adolescents — 1.3 times, children under 14–1.4 times; congenital anomalies and malformations were recorded — 1.3 times more, in children under 14 years of age there was an excess of 4.5 %. The health indicators of the population of the Oryol region are considered unsatisfactory in terms of the incidence of malignant neoplasms, mortality and congenital malformations. As a result of the research, proposals were made to optimize the dose load and reduce the radiation hazard to the health of the population of the Oryol Region. Recommendations have also been developed to reduce the radiation doses to the personnel of medical and prophylactic organizations, to re-equip the health care facilities with modern low-dose devices.

TO EVALUATE THE ACCURACY OF PRE-OPERATIVE DIGITAL TEMPLATING IN FINDING THE PROBABALE FEMORAL HEAD SIZE TO THAT OF ACTUAL INTRAOPERATIVE SIZE IN BIPOLAR HEMIARTHROPLASTY OF HIP.

Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy of pre-operative digital templating in nding the probable femoral head size to that of actual intra-operative size in bipolar hemiarthroplasty of hip. After obtaining ethical committee clearanc Methods: e, 33 patients were included in the study who met the Inclusion criteria. They were subjected to pre operative X rays using a 5 Rupee coin as a reference template. The actual Femoral head size calculated intra-operatively using the head ring template was then compared to that of the probable head size derived as per formula. The study period was for 1 year and it was a prospective study. Pearson correlation r value Results: is .755; p<0.05 which indicates there is positive correlation between B1 Actual size of the Femoral head in cm with Formula value. Pearson correlation r value is .961; p<0.05 which indicates there is highly positive correlation between B1 Actual size of the Femoral head in cm with B2 Radiographic size of Femoral head in cm. Conclusion: This method is a convenient and practical method of scaling magnication which can be applied in everyday X-ray procedures. The current results support the hypothesis that this method enables accurate templating with digital X-rays.