How is the radiation dose of fluoroscopy determined?
How is the radiation dose of fluoroscopy determined?
The radiation dose depends on the type of examination, the patient size, the equipment, the technique, and many other factors. The performance of the fluoroscopy system with respect to radiation dose is best characterized by the receptor entrance exposure and skin entrance exposure rates, which should be assessed at regular intervals.
Why is fluoroscopy important in the diagnostic field?
Proper training of fluoroscopic operators, understanding the factors that influence radiation dose, and use of various dose reduction techniques may allow effective management of patient dose. Since the early 20th century, fluoroscopy has been integral to the practice of diagnostic radiology.
How are radiation doses measured in a CT scan?
It is typically measured in Gray (Joules/kg). This deposition of energy may cause damage the tissues, and therefore, patient radiation dose must be measured and monitored. Patients are exposed to some of the largest doses of radiation during fluoroscopically-guided procedures and computed tomography examinations.
How is peak skin dose used in fluoroscopy?
In addition to total fluoroscopy time, certain metrics such as peak skin dose and kerma area product have been developed to quantify radiation exposure. Some of these metrics are good for estimating stochastic risk (kerma area product), while others are good indicators of risk for deterministic effects (peak skin dose).
The radiation dose depends on the type of examination, the patient size, the equipment, the technique, and many other factors. The performance of the fluoroscopy system with respect to radiation dose is best characterized by the receptor entrance exposure and skin entrance exposure rates, which should be assessed at regular intervals.
Is it safe to use radiation in fluoroscopy?
An Introduction to Fluoroscopy Safety 2 Introduction Many physicians assume fluoroscopy is inherently safe technology. Yet each year several patients in the U.S. suffer permanent skin damage from fluoroscopic procedures, requiring surgical correction. In addition, radiation has the potential to induce cancer.
Proper training of fluoroscopic operators, understanding the factors that influence radiation dose, and use of various dose reduction techniques may allow effective management of patient dose. Since the early 20th century, fluoroscopy has been integral to the practice of diagnostic radiology.
What are the risks to the fluoroscopy operator?
Radiation Risk to the Fluoroscopy Operator and Staff. Fetal deterministic effects of radiation include pregnancy termination, congenital malformations, mental retardation, neurologic development problems, and growth retardation and depend on radiation dose and the gestational age at the time of exposure.