Reviewed by Dr. Hanuma
In medical imaging, radiation safety is paramount, as it has a direct impact on the welfare of both the patient and healthcare professionals involved. One of the main reasons to prioritise radiation safety is to minimise any radiation-induced risks or side effects, such as genetic mutations or cancer. If the human body is exposed to high levels of radiation, it can have adverse effects, causing the development of a range of disorders.
It is possible to reduce the adverse effects by adhering to the recommended dose and observing safety measures. It is the duty of healthcare professionals to prioritise the safety of the patient and themselves while performing medical imaging.
Healthcare professionals are required to operate the equipment properly, adhere to standardised protocols, and ensure the safety of everyone involved in the process to safeguard against unnecessary radiation exposure.
When healthcare professionals prioritise radiation safety, they not only ensure the well-being of the patient but also obtain accurate diagnostic images. Regulatory bodies have set guidelines and dose limits to confirm that radiation exposure stays within the limits. All healthcare professionals comply with the regulations to show their commitment to ensuring patient safety and providing quality care.
When it comes to deciding whether to use radiation, the principle of justification plays a crucial role. The requirement is that any activity involving radiation exposure should result in greater benefits than harm.
The application of this principle is essential in medical settings, industrial applications, and scientific research, as it requires a thorough evaluation of the potential risks associated with radiation use. In the healthcare field, X-rays or CT scans are necessary due to their diagnostic or therapeutic benefits, which are considered to be greater than the potential risks of radiation exposure to patients.
When medical professionals suggest imaging procedures that involve radiation, they meticulously evaluate the balance between risks and benefits. The advantages of the diagnostic information gained from these procedures should be greater than the small risks related to radiation exposure.
To guarantee safety during medical imaging procedures, imaging facilities need to adopt several safety measures. The objective of these measures is to decrease radiation exposure and mitigate the related risks. Here are some key strategies and practices that can be implemented:
Healthcare professionals prioritise patient and staff safety by minimising radiation exposure through lead aprons and protective barriers, and conducting regular inspections and maintenance of shielding materials to ensure their effectiveness.
Restrict the radiation beam by employing collimators and filters, ensuring it is directed exclusively towards the desired area. By doing this, it lowers secondary radiation scatter and decreases the amount of radiation absorbed by nearby tissues. Regularly inspect and calibrate collimators and filters to maintain their accuracy.
Healthcare professionals at our radiology department adhere to a strict schedule to ensure equipment performs at its best and minimise radiation risks. They ensure accurate and consistent radiation dose delivery by inspecting and calibrating imaging equipment regularly.
To ensure consistent quality and safety, every imaging method follows standardised protocols and procedures, which should be reviewed and updated on a regular basis to reflect any developments or best practices in radiation safety.
Healthcare professionals involved in medical imaging receive comprehensive education and training programmes to ensure they are knowledgeable about radiation safety measures. Furthermore, the staff receives regular updates on the latest developments in radiation safety and best practices. Open communication and collaboration among various healthcare professionals participating in imaging operations are encouraged to promote the safe and proper use of imaging technology.
The implementation of monitoring systems helps track staff radiation exposure and detect safety issues, leading to enhanced radiation safety. Patient radiation dose is continuously evaluated and controlled to ensure compliance with recommended limits and confirm the need of each imaging procedure. Tracking systems and software are used to precisely monitor and record radiation doses for patients, improving analysis and safety management.
With the implementation of these safety measures, we can reduce radiation exposure and safeguard the well-being of patients and healthcare professionals. To enhance radiation safety in medical imaging, it is crucial to regularly monitor, maintain, and follow standardised procedures.
At Gargash hospital, Radiologists and x-ray technologists are skilled in minimising radiation exposure for medical imaging. Your health condition is diagnosed and treated by your doctor using these images. Doctors will only recommend an imaging exam if they believe it is necessary to make a diagnosis. The majority of standard imaging tests involve minimal radiation exposure or low doses of radiation. When it comes to health assessments, it is important to remember that the advantages of the exam are much more significant than any possible drawbacks.