Radiography protection

• What is the unit used to measure radiation dose?

  Grays (Gy)
• What is the typical dose received by a patient during a chest X-ray?

  0.02 mGy
• Why is diagnostic radiography a significant contributor to the population's radiation dose?

  Because it accounts for almost 90% of the medical dose
• What percentage of annual collective dose from diagnostic imaging is attributed to CT scans?

  47%
• What are the main areas of study required for a full understanding of radiation protection?

  Radiobiology, Genetics, Statistical analysis of risk, Methods of reducing radiation doses, Rate and decay patterns of radioactivity, Absorbing power of materials
• What is the primary physical quantity of interest when considering the effects of ionizing radiation on living organisms?

  Radiation Dose
• Why is it important to consider a patient's age before proceeding with an X-ray?

  Because younger patients are more sensitive to radiation
• What are the three principles of radiation protection?

  Justification, Optimisation, Dose Limitation
• What does the acronym ALARP stand for in the context of radiation protection?

  As Low As Reasonably Practicable
• What is the dose limit for the general public according to IRR 2017?

  1 mSv

  
• Why is it important to use thyroid collars during X-ray procedures?

  To protect the thyroid gland from radiation
• What is the purpose of personal monitoring dosimeters for staff?

  To measure individual radiation exposure
• What is the role of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP)?

  To provide recommendations for radiation protection standards and guidelines

  
• What is the dose limit for pregnant employees according to IRR 2017?

  1 mSv for the remainder of the pregnancy
• What is the significance of controlled areas in radiation protection?

  They are areas where radiation doses could exceed 6mSv a year and access is restricted
• What is the role of a Radiation Protection Advisor (RPA)?

  To advise on the implementation of designated areas and staff training
• What should be done in the event of an over-exposure to radiation?

  Notify the RPA and RPS, and follow contingency plans
• What is the primary function of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in relation to IR(ME)R 2024?

  To oversee compliance with radiation protection standards
• What are the four levels of responsibility under IR(ME)R 2024?

  Employer, Referrer, Practitioner, Operator
• What is the primary responsibility of the Operator under IR(ME)R 2024?

  To perform the practical aspects of radiographic examinations
• Why is it important to have written protocols for every type of standard radiological practice?

  To ensure consistency and safety in radiological procedures
• What is the role of the Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS)?

  To supervise arrangements set out in the local rules and ensure compliance with regulations
• What is the significance of dose constraints for carers and comforters?

  To limit their radiation exposure while supporting patients
• What is the primary responsibility of the Employer under IR(ME)R 2024?

  To take legal responsibility for implementing radiation protection regulations
• Why is it important to have quality assurance (QA) programmes in place?

  To identify and investigate trends that suggest possible deterioration in equipment
• What is the primary responsibility of the Practitioner under IR(ME)R 2024?

  To justify the individual medical exposure
• Why is it important to have referral criteria for medical exposure?

  To ensure that only necessary and justified exposures are performed
• What is the primary responsibility of the Referrer under IR(ME)R 2024?

  To refer individuals for medical X-ray exposure
• Why is it important to have clinical audits in place?

  To ensure that radiological practices meet adequate standards of radiation protection
• Why is it important to have written procedures for medical exposures?

  To ensure consistency and safety in radiological procedures
• What is the primary responsibility of the Operator under IR(ME)R 2024?

  To perform the practical aspects of radiographic examinations
• Who are considered carers and comforters in the context of ionising radiation exposure?

  Individuals knowingly and willingly exposed to ionising radiation through support and comfort of those undergoing exposure
• What are the key considerations for carers and comforters exposed to ionising radiation?

  Dose constraint, dose optimisation, and recording/reviewing
• Who is considered the employer in the context of medical exposures in the NHS?

  The hospital trust
• What are the duties of an employer regarding medical exposures?

  Written procedures, written protocols, referral criteria, QA programmes, and clinical audit
• What must an employer ensure regarding staff training?

  Adequate training of staff
• What must an employer do if reference dose levels are exceeded?

  Investigate and take action, such as individual training
• Who is responsible for writing written procedures for medical exposures?

  Practitioner, but the employer is still responsible
• What are examples of written procedures for medical exposures?

  Positive ID procedure, procedure for enquiries of females of childbearing age, and procedures for giving information and written instructions
• Who is considered a referrer in the context of medical exposures?

  A registered medical or dental practitioner, or other health professional entitled to refer individuals for medical exposure