X-ray Unit Research Articles

Handheld Versus Wall-mounted X-ray Units

Handheld Versus Wall-mounted X-ray Units

The use of acetic acid thallium in fungal diseases

The huge spread of fungal diseases in the USSR forces us to look for affordable methods of treatment that could be applied in the areas most affected. Medical treatment with various disinfecting ointments without hair removal does not achieve the goal, while conventional hair removal with tweezers is possible only in cases with sharply limited and small lesions. The use of X-ray therapy is not always available due to the lack of a sufficient number of X-ray units, and not in all cases this therapy can be carried out. Therefore, the method of hair removal with thallium acetate, proposed by Buschke, aroused great interest.

IMPACT OF COLLIMATION ON RADIATION EXPOSURE IN ADULT AND PAEDIATRIC DIGITAL X-RAY IMAGING.

This study aimed to evaluate the collimation practices and quantify the overexposure due to extensive X-ray field area. The study was carried out in four digital X-ray units (including one paediatric X-ray unit). A total of 749 X-ray projections (555 adult and 194 paediatric) were evaluated. In adult X-ray units, the radiation field size was two times larger than the electronically collimated field. In the paediatric unit, the radiation field was 3.7 times larger than the electronic collimated field. The average additional entrance surface dose due to the excess radiation field used in a paediatric X-ray unit varied between 9.3 (2.5%) and 201.4 $\mu $Gy (10.9%). Therefore, proper pre-patient collimation should be applied whenever feasible, which reduces the patient radiation dose considerably.

SECONDARY RADIATION MAPPING

Radiation protection for personnel working with X-rays is of vital importance. Several studies have been published regarding the secondary radiation and the shielding requirements to areas that are adjacent to the X-ray units. In this work, secondary radiation in a conventional radiographic room, in terms of dose rate (mSv/hr), as a function of different radiographic exposure factors has been studied. The measurements were performed with a 451P Fluke Biomedical survey meter on a Philips Medio 65 CP-H X-ray generator with a cylindrical water phantom. It was found that the dose rate from the scatter radiation decreases with distance. An added filtration of 2.0 mmAl at 100 kVp reduced the secondary dose rate further by 21.4%. The results of this study may be of value during exposure of personnel that are not protected by shielding materials. Highlights Ÿ It was found that the dose rate from the scatter radiation decreases with distance. An added filtration of 2.0 mmAl at 100 kVp reduced the secondary dose rate further by 21.4%. Ÿ The mean secondary X-ray energies for 60, 80, 100 and 100 kV with 2 mmAl added, were calculated as 34.41, 51.12, 69.03 and 71.29 keV respectively. Ÿ The results of this study are of value during exposure of people such as radiographers, and patients during the use of mobile X-ray units.

How direct measurements of worker eyes with a Scheimpflug camera can affect lensdose coefficients in interventional radiology

The 2013/59/Euratom Directive reduced the occupational exposure limits for the lens. Since it has become crucial to estimate the dose absorbed by the lens, we have studied the individual variability of exposed workers’ ocular conformations with respect to the data estimated from their personal dosimetry. The anterior eye conformations of 45 exposed workers were acquired using Scheimpflug imaging and classified according to their sight conditions (emmetropia, myopia or hypermetropia). Three eye models were computed, with two lens reconstructions, and implemented in an interventional radiology scenario using Monte Carlo code. The models were dosimetrically analysed by simulating setup A, a theoretical monoenergetic and isotropic photon source (10–150 keV) and setup B, a more realistic interventional setting with an angiographic x-ray unit (50, 75, 100 kV peak). Scheimpflug imaging provided an average anterior chamber depth of (6.4 ± 0.5) mm and a lens depth of (3.9 ± 0.3) mm, together with a reconstructed equatorial lens length of (7.1–10.1) mm. Using these data for model reconstruction, dose coefficients (DCs) were simulated for all ocular structures. Regardless of the eye model used, the DCs showed a similar trend with radiation energy, which highlighted that for the same energy and setup, no significant dependence on ocular morphology and workers’ visual conditions was observed. The maximum difference obtained did not exceed 1% for all eye models or structures analysed. Therefore, the individual variabilities of worker ocular anatomy do not require any additional correction, compared to the personal dosimetry data measured with a dedicated lens dosimeter. To estimate the dose absorbed by the other eye structures, it is, instead, essential to know the spectrum of the source that has generated the irradiation, since there are differences between monoenergetic sources and more realistic angiographic units.

Growing a Display Crystal of Recycled Potassium Tris(oxalato)ferrate(III) Trihydrate

Potassium tris(oxalato)ferrate(III) trihydrate is a commonly prepared coordination compound in general or upper-level chemistry laboratories and can be recycled to grow large single crystals that instructors may display when introducing the experiment to classes. Showing the crystal’s shape can also be used to briefly introduce students to X-ray crystallography, symmetry, and unit cell dimensions.

Exploring radiographers' experience with mobile X-ray of patients in their homes

IntroductionTo offer citizens with frailty or dementia living in nursing homes or other institutions a less stressful and anxious X-ray examination, a Danish hospital offers to perform the examination in the citizen's residence. This has changed the working procedure for the radiographers performing the examination. The aim of this study was to explore if the radiographers self-perceived competencies have changed whilst working in the mobile X-ray unit and if so, how these competencies are utilised within the department-based medical imaging team. MethodThis study had a qualitative design following a hermeneutic approach. Individual semi structured interviews included nine radiographers, four radiographers working in the mobile X-ray unit and five radiographers working exclusively in the medical imaging team. ResultsRadiographers who worked in the mobile X-ray unit did acquire new competencies such as better communication and creative positioning skills. All nine participants recognised the advantage of sharing experiences and competencies with colleagues, and recommended a formal forum to do so. They sought opportunities for the use of the mobile X-ray unit to be more widespread within their own region, and within the profession. ConclusionThis study indicates that radiographers working with mobile X-ray unit gained new competencies in communication and positioning, but without spread of new knowledge to colleagues in the medical imaging team. Implication for practiceThe use of home-based mobile X-ray is a new way to provide health care services and gain new competencies for the radiographers to focus on patient centred care.

Self-reported radiation safety behaviors among veterinary specialists and residents performing fluoroscopic procedures on small animals

To describe the radiation safety behaviors of veterinary specialists performing small animal fluoroscopic procedures and examine potential risk factors for these behaviors, including knowledge of radiation risk and training regarding machine operating parameters. 197 veterinary specialists and residents in training. An electronic questionnaire was distributed to members of the American Colleges of Veterinary Internal Medicine (subspecialties of cardiology and small animal internal medicine), Veterinary Radiology, and Veterinary Surgery. The overall survey response rate was 6% (240/4,274 email recipients). Of the 240 respondents, 197 (82%) had operated an x-ray unit for a small animal fluoroscopic procedure in the preceding year and fully completed the questionnaire. More than 95% of respondents believed that radiation causes cancer, yet approximately 60% of respondents never wore hand or eye protection during fluoroscopic procedures, and 28% never adjusted the fluoroscopy machine operating parameters for the purpose of reducing their radiation dose. The most common reasons for not wearing eye shielding included no requirement to wear eyeglasses, poor fit, discomfort, and interference of eyeglasses with task performance. Respondents who had received training regarding machine operating parameters adjusted those parameters to reduce their radiation dose during procedures significantly more frequently than did respondents who had not received training. On the basis of the self-reported suboptimal radiation safety practices among veterinary fluoroscopy users, we recommend formal incorporation of radiation safety education into residency training programs. All fluoroscopy machine operators should be trained regarding the machine operating parameters that can be adjusted to reduce occupational radiation exposure.

SURFACE DOSE ESTIMATION BY A KAP METER FOR KILOVOLTAGE X-RAY BEAMS.

This study aims to estimate the entrance surface dose (ESD) of a water phantom for kilovoltage x-ray beams using an air kerma area product meter (KAP meter) equipped in an x-ray unit. The KAP meter was calibrated in terms of the ESD determined by a plane-parallel ionization chamber based on a 60Co absorbed dose-to-water calibration coefficient, ${N}_{D,w}^{{}^{60}\mathrm{C}\mathrm{o}}$. The ESD measured using the KAP meter was verified by comparing it with that estimated by the air kerma calibration coefficient, NK, for x-ray beam qualities. The ratio of ESDs based on ${N}_{D,w}^{{}^{60}\mathrm{C}\mathrm{o}}$ and NK was 1.003 on average and independent of the beam quality. The ESD by the KAP meter was an agreement within ±1.5% with that measured using the plane-parallel chamber for 10×10-30×30cm2 fields with a source-surface distance of 75-150cm. It was possible to estimate the ESD directly in a water phantom for x-ray beams without correction factors compared to the existing air kerma calibration, using a KAP meter calibrated based on ${N}_{D,w}^{{}^{60}\mathrm{C}\mathrm{o}}$.

First Experimental Study of the Influence of Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Multipotent Stromal Cells on Osseointegration of Dental Implants.

Herein, the aim was to study the state of the bone tissue adjacent to dental implants after the use of extracellular vesicles derived from multipotent stromal cells (MSC EVs) of bone marrow origin in the experiment. In compliance with the rules of asepsis and antiseptics under general intravenous anesthesia with propofol, the screw dental implants were installed in the proximal condyles of the tibia of outbred rabbits without and with preliminary introduction of 19.2 μg MSC EVs into each bone tissue defect. In 3, 7, and 10 days after the operation, the density of bone tissue adjacent to different parts of the implant using an X-ray unit with densitometer was measured. In addition, the histological examinations of the bone site with the hole from the removed device and the soft tissues from the surface of the proximal tibial condyle in the area of intra-bone implants were made. It was found out that 3 days after implantation with the use of MSC EVs, the bone density was statistically significantly higher by 47.2% than after the same implantation, but without the injection of MSC EVs. It is possible that as a result of the immunomodulatory action of MSC EVs, the activity of inflammation decreases, and, respectively, the degree of vasodilation in bones and leukocyte infiltration of the soft tissues are lower, in comparison with the surgery performed in the control group. The bone fragments formed during implantation are mainly consolidated with each other and with the regenerating bone. Day 10 demonstrated that all animals with the use of MSC EVs had almost complete fusion of the screw device with the bone tissue, whereas after the operation without the application of MSC EVs, the heterogeneous histologic pattern was observed: From almost complete osseointegration of the implant to the absolute absence of contact between the foreign body and the new formed bone. Therefore, the use of MSC EVs during the introduction of dental implants into the proximal condyle of the tibia of rabbits contributes to an increase of the bone tissue density near the device after 3 days and to the achievement of consistently successful osseointegration of implants 10 days after the surgery.

The radiation doses and radiation protection on the endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedures.

Although many interventions involving radiation exposure have been replaced to endoscopic procedure in the gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary fields, there remains no alternative for enteroscopy and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), which requires the use of radiation. In this review, we discuss the radiation doses and protective measures of endoscopic procedures, especially for ERCP. For the patient radiation dose, the average dose area product for diagnostic ERCP was 14-26 Gy.cm², while it increased to as high as 67-89 Gy.cm² for therapeutic ERCP. The corresponding entrance skin doses for diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP were 90 and 250 mGy, respectively. The mean effective doses were 3- 6 mSv for diagnostic ERCP and 12-20 mSv for therapeutic ERCP. For the occupational radiation dose, the typical doses were 94 μGy and 75 μGy for the eye and neck, respectively. However, with an over-couch-type X-ray unit, the eye and neck doses reached as high as 550 and 450 μGy, with maximal doses of up to 2.8 and 2.4 mGy/procedure, respectively.A protective lead shield was effective for an over couch X-ray tube unit. It lowered scattered radiation by up to 89.1% in a phantom study. In actual measurements, the radiation exposure of the endoscopist closest to the unit was reduced to approximately 12%. In conclusion, there is a clear need for raising awareness among medical personnel involved endoscopic procedures to minimise radiation risks to both the patients and staff.

A mobile microfocal x-ray diagnostic complex in the imaging of premature newborns

Background: In the modern clinical practice, providing fast, mobile and high-quality bedside X-ray imaging is important for managing newborn children . Thus, the development of new devices with all these features and their clinical application are of considerable significance. Aims: Estimation of the diagnostic capabilities of a microfocal X-ray diagnostic complex for the imaging of premature newborns. Methods: The study was performed at the facilities of Almazov National Medical Research Centre. The study included X-ray examinations of 156 premature newborns using the method of microfocus radiography: 139 X-ray images of the chest, 17 X-ray images of the abdomen. The imaging was performed using the projection magnification technique with a patient positioned close to the X-ray source. Results: The microfocal X-ray images showed the necessary quality for the diagnosis of pathological changes in the chest and abdomen in infants. The patient dose estimation was based on the radiation output of the X-ray unit and the tube current-time product. For the maximum values of the tube voltage, tube current and exposure time, the effective doses did not exceed 0.02 mSv, corresponding to the negligible radiation risk category. Conclusions: Microfocal radiography allows performing informative X-ray examinations of premature newborns, especially using the projection magnification technique. The use of a microfocal X-ray diagnostic complex allows reducing patient doses, increasing the mobility and usability of the X-ray equipment. The first experience of clinical application of microfocal radiography in neonatology and pediatrics with the projection magnification of an X-ray image was found successful. The implementation of this device in pediatric clinical practice will optimize the tactics of managing premature newborns.

The empirical formula for calculating the incident air Kerma in intraoral radiographic imaging.

The aim of this paper is to determine the empirical formula for calculating the incident air kerma (Ki), used as a patient dose descriptor in the intraoral radiographic imaging. The data for the formula were collected during the regular annual inspection of intraoral dental X-ray units in 2018, 2019 and early 2020. The measurement data of 50 X-ray units were processed to develop the formula. Exposure factors for imaging molars of the upper jaw of an average patient in a clinical setting were used in the measurement. The formula validity was statistically evaluated using coefficient of correlation, standard error of the fitted function and the mean relative percentage deviation. The measurement values of the radiation doses and calculated values obtained by using the final formula showed good agreement - the mean relative percentage deviation values less than ±15%. Although there are differences in X-ray units, voltages, manufacturers and device architectures (single-phase and high-frequency), the measurement data comply well with computed ones in all cases.

Effect of beam quality and readout direction in the edge profile on the modulation transfer function of photostimulable phosphor systems via the edge method.

Purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of (i) the difference in the beam qualities on the presampled modulation transfer function (MTF) using the edge method and (ii) the readout direction of the edge profile for the photostimulable phosphor (PSP) system. Approach: The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) defined a technique using the "radiation qualities based on a phantom made up of an aluminum added filter" (RQA). A general radiographic system with a tube voltage of 50kV and 9.7mm of additional aluminum filtration was used to conform the x-ray to the IEC-specified beam quality definition RQA3. Additionally, we employed two different beams with tube voltages of 60 and 70kV using a dental x-ray unit. The MTF was measured in the readout direction from low-to-high exposure regions and vice versa with respect to the scanning and subscanning directions of the PSP system. Results: The difference in the 50%MTF value for all directions between 60 and 70kV averaged less than . The 50%MTF of RQA3 was on average 0.2 lower than the value for 60kV for each direction. For all beam qualities, no difference was observed between the MTFs measured in the readout direction from the low-to-high exposure regions and vice versa. Conclusions: The MTFs, measured using the dental x-ray unit, were unaffected by the tube voltage, and they were slightly higher than those measured using the RQA3. Furthermore, the MTF was unaffected by the differences in the readout directions of the edge profile.

Manufacture Shield from nano-rubber composite to protection from X-ray radiation

prepared The compound rubber material by reinforcing it with nanoparticle powder (N Pb) for protective shields in hospital X-ray units for the purpose of protecting fetuses from congenital deformity in pregnant women and workers in X-ray rays. The addition of chlorophyll extracted from tree leaves and plants as a plasticizer and anti-oxidant with different ratios of (20 - 100 pphr) and (20 pphr) was chosen as a percentage that achieves the purpose, but prevented it from penetrating the X-ray radiation is very little even at high ratios, as well as TiO_2 of (20 - 100 pphr) was added. 20 as a micro-filler for the purpose of obtaining good mechanical properties such as tensile strength, elasticity and hardness with different ratios (20 -100 pphr). 20 pphr was chosen as a ratio that achieves the purpose, but it prevents it from penetrating the X-ray rays. Very few even at high ratios. And by adding nanoparticles lead (40 – 350 pphr) good results in cutting the radiation penetrate the X-ray and the best ratios (100, 200, 300, 350 pphr) as adding (100 pphr) of N Pb to the rubber with a thickness (2 mm) the rays were penetrated and cut at (60 KV). Whereas, adding (200 pphr) of N Pb to the rubber with a thickness of (2 mm) prevented the penetration of X-Ray rays and cut them at (80 KV). Whereas, adding (300 pphr) of N Pb to the rubber with a thickness of (mm3) prevented the penetration of X-ray rays and cut them at (100KV). Whereas, adding (350 pphr) of N Pb to the rubber with a thickness of (3 mm) prevented the penetration of X-Ray rays and cut them at (110KV). In this way, the purpose of protecting the fetuses of pregnant women when they are exposed to radiation in the X-Ray units and their workers when using this material as a cover or shield with a thickness of (3 mm) was achieved.

Optimization of X-ray Investigations in Dentistry Using Optical Coherence Tomography

The most common imaging technique for dental diagnoses and treatment monitoring is X-ray imaging, which evolved from the first intraoral radiographs to high-quality three-dimensional (3D) Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). Other imaging techniques have shown potential, such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). We have recently reported on the boundaries of these two types of techniques, regarding. the dental fields where each one is more appropriate or where they should be both used. The aim of the present study is to explore the unique capabilities of the OCT technique to optimize X-ray units imaging (i.e., in terms of image resolution, radiation dose, or contrast). Two types of commercially available and widely used X-ray units are considered. To adjust their parameters, a protocol is developed to employ OCT images of dental conditions that are documented on high (i.e., less than 10 μm) resolution OCT images (both B-scans/cross sections and 3D reconstructions) but are hardly identified on the 200 to 75 μm resolution panoramic or CBCT radiographs. The optimized calibration of the X-ray unit includes choosing appropriate values for the anode voltage and current intensity of the X-ray tube, as well as the patient’s positioning, in order to reach the highest possible X-rays resolution at a radiation dose that is safe for the patient. The optimization protocol is developed in vitro on OCT images of extracted teeth and is further applied in vivo for each type of dental investigation. Optimized radiographic results are compared with un-optimized previously performed radiographs. Also, we show that OCT can permit a rigorous comparison between two (types of) X-ray units. In conclusion, high-quality dental images are possible using low radiation doses if an optimized protocol, developed using OCT, is applied for each type of dental investigation. Also, there are situations when the X-ray technology has drawbacks for dental diagnosis or treatment assessment. In such situations, OCT proves capable to provide qualitative images.

Evaluation of Entrance Surface Air Kerma in Patients During PA Chest Radiography Using CALDose Program in Al Najaf Governorate Hospitals

Due to its value in providing diagnostic information, large Figure of chest X-rays conducted everywhere. This therefore necessitate assessing patients’ dose to avoid any potential harm. This work is aimed at evaluating the Entrance Surface Air Kerma (ESAK) for adult patients undergoing chest radiographic examination (posterior - anterior (PA)) in Al Najaf (Iraq). The ESAK were evaluated for 186 patients utilizing CALDose program. The tube output measurements were carried out using Rad-Check dosimeter. Patient demographic data was also recorded (height and weight). Nine X-ray units were considered in this research (i.e. Al-Furat hospital (AFH), Al Sajad General Hospital (ASGH), Al-Hakeem hospital (AHH), Al-Zahra hospital (AZH), Al-Sadder hospital (ASH), Al Hydria General Hospital (AHGH), Middle Euphrates cancer center (MECC), Al Manzrah General Hospitals (AMGH) and Al Mishkhab Hospital (AMH)). The resulted data revealed that the ESAK for the considered hospitals AFH, ASH, ASGH, AHH, AZH, AHGH, MECC, AMGH and AMH are 0.67, 0.069, 0.59, 0.05, 0.79, 0.76, 0.48, 0.21 and 0.18, respectively with an overall average of 0.425 ± (0.299) mGy. In AZH, the ESAK was generally higher than those of other X-ray units of this study. Finally, performing a regular quality control (QC) checking with dose audit is largely advised

Identifying barriers and facilitators to implementation of community-based tuberculosis active case finding with mobile X-ray units in Lima, Peru: a RE-AIM evaluation

ObjectivesIdentify barriers and facilitators to integrating community tuberculosis screening with mobile X-ray units into a health system.MethodsReach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation and maintenance evaluation.Setting3-district region of Lima, Peru.Participants63 899 people attended...

ASSESSMENT OF MENTAL FORAMEN POSITION IN DENTATE SUBJECTS

Mental foramen shares its significance in various fields of dentistry. Being a strategically eminent landmark, an understanding of the variation of its position is important. Aim: To evaluate frequently occurring position of mental foramen and its distance with reference to the lower premolars using panoramic image. Method: Total 215 panoramic image of patients taken for different diagnostic purpose, using Planmeca X-ray unit ProMax, The position of the mental foramen was recorded according to the categories which were put forward by Jasser and Nwoku. Result: The most common position was found to be between the two premolars approximately 60.5% for both gender, followed by below the second premolar approximately 34.9% . conclusion: The most common location was reported to be between the two premolars, with a definite bilateral symmetry on both left and right sides. No gender preferences were observed

Critical analysis and suggestions to improve the existing system of radiation control in X-ray rooms

This paper demonstrates the shortcomings of the existing method of radiation control in the X-ray rooms and the interpretation of the results of the measurements to assess the compliance of the working conditions of various groups of exposed individuals with radiation safety requirements. A new method of interpretation of the measurement results is proposed, considering the relative time spent by certain categories of exposed persons in the corresponding rooms during the use of the X-ray units, as well as the use of personal protective equipment (lead aprons). The interpretation of the measurement results in the treatment room according to the new approach has demonstrated the compliance of the working conditions to the Norms and Rules of radiation safety, provided that the worker is wearing a protective apron. The proposed approach to the interpretation of the results of the measurements in adjacent rooms leads to both reduced and stricter requirements for the stationary shielding. The paper includes a special focus on the incorrect calculation of stationary shielding for the installation of several X-ray units in one X-ray room within the framework of the current approach.