Safety in Radiography: Radiation Physics, Radiobiology, and Radiation Protection
Safety in Radiography: Radiation Physics, Radiobiology, and Radiation Protection is organized by eRADIMAGING.
Release Date: 05/17/2023
Expiration Date: 06/01/2026
Course Description:
Being able to employ radiation protection techniques begins with comprehending the basic principles of radiation physics. Understanding how electrons are produced and the process of photon creation from electron interactions at the anode target are the first steps. Although the X-ray beam characteristics change as the energy varies, the properties of X-ray photons are consistent with other forms of electromagnetic radiation. Photons leave the port window and travel towards the patient where they will interact with the atoms that make up a patient’s anatomy. These interactions depend on the energy delivered. The result of the interaction will affect patient radiation dose and the resulting radiographic image. The biological effects of radiation exposure can cause short-term or long-term effects. As a result, radiologic technologists must understand how to reduce the potential for these effects to occur through technical factors, patient positioning, and equipment dose reduction options and protection strategies. In addition to protecting patients, personnel should also protect themselves from scatter radiation by following the 3 cardinal rules of radiation protection: time, distance, and shielding.
Learning Objectives:
After completing this course, the participant should be able to:
- EXPLAIN how X-rays are produced inside an X-ray tube.
- IDENTIFY the 2 target interactions that create X-ray photons.
- SUMMARIZE X-ray beam characteristics and properties.
- COMPARE the various types of photon interactions with matter and how they affect the image and radiation dose.
- INTERPRET the SI units of measurement in radiology.
- SUMMARIZE the characteristics that cause cell radiosensitivity.
- OUTLINE the short-term and long-term somatic effects of radiation.
- EXPLAIN ways to minimize patient and personnel radiation exposure.