Introduction: Producing appropriate diagnostic images along with patient radiation protection is the goal of radiography. Due to the advancements of radiography, concerns about observing the principles of radiation protection exist. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the observance of the principles of radiation protection in radiographic examinations with emphasis on field size collimation, suitability of exposure factors and the use of protective equipment for the patients and their companions. Methods: Using a cross-sectional study design, two radiography students on their final year of study observed 100 radiographic examinations from the imaging departments of five educational hospitals. The SPSS version 24 software was used to analyse the results. Results: The radiation field collimation was obtained in 46% of the studied radiographs. Patients had companions present during the examination in 26% of the studies; however, protective equipment was only used for 4% of the patients' companions, and no protective equipment was applied for patients. The observance rate of the various principles of radiation protection including field size restriction, the use of protective equipment for the patients and their companions, and suitability of the selected exposure factors was on average 44.6%. Conclusion: The observance rate of the principles of radiation protection was insufficient in the studied educational hospitals, specifically in field size collimation and the use of protective equipment for the patients and their companions. Therefore, emphasis on the strict implementation of the radiation protection guidelines and continuous training of radiographers are required.
Introduction: Since the CT operators play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and exposing the patients to radiation exposure, they must be aware of all CT parameters which affect the image quality and patient dose and update their knowledge in parallel with the progresses in CT technology. Therefore, the knowledge of radiographers and CT technologists regarding the CT parameters was assessed in this study to identify and resolve any potential deficiencies. Material and methods: This study was conducted in 2018 among 113 radiographers and 103 CT technologists in Khuzestan province using a three-part questionnaire containing demographic characteristics, general opinion on CT scan dose and questions assessing technologists’ knowledge of CT exposure parameters. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: Total knowledge scores of radiographers and CT technologists about CT exposure parameters were 36 and 42, respectively. The highest knowledge score among technologist was the knowledge of changing parameters based on patient characteristics and the lowest was in the field of awareness of noise index and diagnostic reference levels. Conclusion: Total knowledge scores of radiographers and CT technologists about different scan parameters affecting dose and image quality was very low. Reviewing and updating the content of academic education and holding retraining courses are suggested.
Context: This study was done to review the electron contamination sources and measurement based on dosimetry and simulation techniques for radiotherapy and also investigate factors affecting electron contamination reduction. Methods: We systematically searched five major indexing databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, ISI web of science, and Cochrane central, using keywords of electron contamination, electron contamination AND measurement, electron contamination AND simulation, and electron contamination AND reduction until Dec 2020. Results: Overall, 35 studies were reviewed, including articles reporting the theory of electron contamination, papers on dosimetry methods to measure electron contamination, studies about simulation methods to assess electron contamination, and articles about reducing electron contamination. The results indicated an increase in electron contamination using a flattering filter, an increase in field size, the presence of prosthesis in the patient's body, and a rise in photon energy. Conclusions: It can be concluded that the excessive delivered doses by electron contamination can cause skin complications, such as erythema, desquamation, and telangiectasia inside or outside the photon field. The amount of electron contamination depends on factors, such as radiation field size, beam energy, and materials placed in the photon path. Electron contamination can be decreased by increasing the source distance to the point of measurement by the dosimeter, applying a lead foil, magnetic deflector, or replacing a portion of air column between patient and radiotherapy system head by helium gas, and also limiting the treatment field.
Background and Objectives: Radiology technicians have a critical role in protecting patients along with providing high-quality images. The present study assessed radiology students' last semester about the principles of protection, dose level, and cancer risk of ionizing radiation applied for diagnostic imaging. This study was conducted in training hospitals of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz City, Iran. Subjects and Methods This cross-sectional descriptive study was performed using a study-designed questionnaire. The sample size was 40, and statistical analysis was performed in SPSS v. 24. Results Only 15% of students correctly answered the question of ionizing radiation stochastic effect. While 70% of students stated the average dose of an abdominal ultrasound correctly, only 2.5% of them determined the average dose of a myocardial nuclear medicine scan correctly. In total, the respondents received 35% of the overall score of knowledge about cancer risk caused by ionizing radiation of imaging examinations. Conclusion The students' knowledge about the principles of radiation protection was moderate, and their knowledge about the level of radiation dose and cancer risk caused by various imaging procedures was insufficient. Theoretical and practical education has a significant role in improving the knowledge and skills of radiology technicians. So, repeating and emphasizing the principles of radiation protection and paying more attention to these topics in the courses and internships of radiology technology students seems necessary. These measures will improve the performance of students and make them prepared to accept their future professional responsibilities.
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