RADIATION PROTECTION AND RADIOBIOLOGY
Class details...
Providing students with the fundamental principles of radiation protection and radiobiology as applied to limited diagnostic radiology practice. Topics include the biological effects of ionizing radiation, dose-response relationships, and methods to minimize exposure to patients, technologists, and the public. Students will learn regulatory standards, shielding techniques, radiation monitoring, safe equipment operation, and best practices for maintaining radiation safety.
Class Modules...
1. Introduction to Radiation and Radiobiology
- Nature and types of ionizing radiation
- History of radiation discovery and safety evolution
- Basic radiation physics concepts relevant to limited imaging
2. Biological Effects of Radiation
- Interaction of radiation with cells and tissues
- Stochastic vs. deterministic effects
- Short-term and long-term biological effects
- Radiation sensitivity of different tissues and organs
3. Radiation Dose and Measurement
- Units of radiation: Roentgen, Gray, Sievert, mSv
- Concepts of absorbed dose, equivalent dose, and effective dose
- Measuring patient and occupational exposure
- Factors affecting radiation dose in limited-scope exams
4. Radiation Protection Principles
- ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) concept
- Time, distance, and shielding strategies
- Lead aprons, thyroid shields, gonadal shielding, barriers
- Beam collimation and filtration
- Local regulation requirements
5. Regulatory Standards and Guidelines
- Overview of NRC, state regulations, and OSHA standards
- Facility requirements for radiation safety
- Responsibilities of limited radiology technologists
6. Radiation Protection for Patients
- Minimizing exposure during common limited exams
- Pediatric and geriatric considerations
- Special patient populations: pregnant patients, medically compromised
- Proper use of immobilization and positioning aids
7. Radiation Protection for Technologists and Staff
- Occupational dose monitoring (dosimeters)
- Safe operation of radiographic equipment
- Protective barriers and room design considerations
- Handling repeat exposures
8. Radiation Protection in Digital Imaging
- Impact of CR and DR systems on patient dose
- Image processing considerations and dose optimization
- Rejection analysis and repeat exposure minimization
9. Case Studies and Practical Applications
- Reviewing scenarios for exposure errors
- Evaluating radiation protection strategies in limited-scope exams
- Problem-solving for equipment, patient, and environmental safety
10. Professional Responsibility and Ethics
- Ethical considerations in radiation use
- Maintaining patient trust and safety
- Documentation and reporting of exposures and incidents
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Explain the biological effects of ionizing radiation on human tissue.
- Apply radiation protection principles to protect patients, staff, and self.
- Understand regulatory standards and maintain compliance in a limited radiology practice.
- Optimize imaging techniques to achieve diagnostic quality while minimizing dose.
- By the end of the course, students will be able to apply radiation protection principles to limited-scope imaging procedures while understanding the effects of radiation on living tissue.