Argumentative Essay On Ct Scan

Digital radiography (DR) is a revolutionary invention in radiography. With this technology, no cassette is needed for an x-ray examination meaning that there is no need to reload films or to erase imaging plate in every examination. This is a distinctive feature which conventional radiography and computed radiography (CR) do not have. DR was first introduced in 1996 (Carroll, 2011). Miniature electronic x-ray detectors are used as the image receptor. The detectors enable the direct capture of the x-ray image without conversion steps (like the conversion of x-ray photos into light photons). This technology is widely used nowadays since it has many advantages and it brings much convenience to radiographers. One of the main advantages of DR is image post-processing in which the quality of the film (in terms of contrast and brightness, etc.) can be adjusted to reach the desired standard. Therefore, the tolerance of the deviation of the exposure factors is greater and the need of repeating the examination is greatly reduced so the patient dose is reduced. This follows the as low as reasonably achievable principle for radiation protection and this also improve the final image quality simultaneously. Besides, many DR systems were installed with preset for numerous anatomical studies which can improve the post processing. Like CR, the images produced are in digital format so this provides convenience for radiographers to store and retrieve the image easily. DR is also capable to work with PACS

Healthcare has evolved tremendously over the last few decades. Technology, being one of the biggest impacts has reached new heights and has advanced our learning and knowledge to places unimaginable. Many different modalities take place in the health field to ensure the greatest treatment for everyone with improving outcomes. Three modalities that have enhanced and have taken special roles in 3-D imaging include, CT scans, MRI, and Ultrasound; each with their own advantages and disadvantages. These modalities all require training, are cost effective, and take a specific amount of time to obtain all the necessary information. These same modalities have different traits regarding the use of radiation, contrast, evidence

For this reason patients must be aware that there is not a such thing as a safe amount of ionizing radiation. No matter how small the amount, x-rays produce ionizing radiation which is damaging to human tissue and therefore all procedures involving x-ray exposure to the patient are considered dangerous. This being the case, those who administer x-rays should be very knowledgeable about the energy they are dealing with, sadly this is not always the reality we live in. The article titled U.S. Technologists' Radiation Exposure Perceptions and Practices states that "Current literature documents excessive radiation doses from medical uses and a lack of necessary education for physicians, fluoroscopists (ie, cardiologists, radiologist, neurologists, and others trained to perform fluoroscopy) and patients concerning the benefits and dangers of medical radiation."5 This is a huge problem in the concept of patient safety when dealing with the use of ionizing radiation for medical procedures. If those administering the x-rays do not completely understand their dangers than how is a patient who most likely knows very little about the subject suppose to be the safest possible during the

That is 4.5 years’ worth of background radiation1 (10). With pediatric patients receiving multiple exams, this amount of radiation can quickly add up and cause serious concerns later in life.

Computed tomography (CT) is one of the most important tools in diagnostic imaging, but is it safe? While CT scanning is extremely accurate in its ability to image bone, blood vessels and soft tissue, a single CT scan subjects the human body to between 150 and 1,100 times the radiation of a conventional x-ray (Storrs, 2013). Since Robert S. Ledley invented the CAT-Scan in 1975, researchers have been working hard to determine if CTs may increases a patient’s risk of getting cancer due to the dramatic increase in radiation.

The journal article "Radiation Protection in Computed Tomography imaging" wrote by Jason Bond, R.T. (R). Radiologic Technology published the article in July/August 2016. In the article, the author addressed radiation protection methods in Computed Tomography Imaging. The author believes best CT image and achieve ALARA, require proper competency of the radiologic technologists and personnel. The author highlighted the importance of proper training, be familiar with dose-saving features and staying competency in lower radiation dose. The author stated the importance of lower radiation dose in Computed Tomography Imaging by comparing the chest CT exposure dose to a routine chest radiograph. "A routine chest radiography, for example, delivers a dose of approximately 0.02 mSv to the patient, whereas a chest CT delivers a dose of approximately 8 mSv, a 400-fold increase between the 2 modalities (Bond, July/ August 2016)." The author using qualitative data support and summarized the effective methods of radiation protection methods in Computed Tomography Imaging. The author using the recent reference to back up his hypothesis, all reference was chosen is within five years. The author concluded, to achieve

In radiological protection it is important to shield areas that are susceptible to radiation with lead shielding, use of proper collimation, limiting time of exposure, keep the time of exposure as short as possible, increasing the distance of the source of radiation and the pregnant patient, using the ALARA principle (As low as reasonably achievable) and if possible the physician should determine if the examination can be delayed until after pregnancy. Also, proper equipment performance and calibration must be tested

The main concept I grasped on to is that technologists should always be aware and double check their technique for all patients but especially children. This assures that no child receives too much radiation and reduces the risk of developing cancer later on from exposure. I was not aware that there are currently programs such as the “Image Gently Campaign” that are educating technologists on pediatric radiation safety. I hope programs like this continue to impact pediatric imaging and reduce the number of exams that expose children to unnecessary radiation.

Due to the various advancements of technologies in the field of radiography, sometimes it can be difficult to choose with imaging modality can be used to provided the best care for the patient and diagnose Clinicians must be aware of the potential benefits and drawbacks of each imaging modality to balance its use with healthcare costs, radiation dose to the patient, as well as patient safety.

“CT unit provide cross-sectional views of the body and is able to obtain several dozen images for information with one exposure”. (Gurley, Callaway, 2011, 87). In USA, first clinical trial of CT scan was conducted in 1973 by Mayo clinic. Current CT scanners generate very less radiation comparing to old units. They also have a capability to create 3D images. The new scanners are 320 slices and complete one 360° rotations in 275 milliseconds. Both contrast and non contrast studies are performed with CT. “The median effective radiation dose for non-contrast studies is 0.93 millisieverts (mSv) compared to 2.67 mSv for the first generation units”. (Yang, et al, 2014, 41). Depending on the facility the average cost of routine non contrast study is $850-$1500, and for contrast and any special procedure ranges from $2500-$6000. GE healthcare is also a major manufacturer of CT

Cooperating with Children to perform an x-ray can be a difficult task, because of the challenges of acquiring an x-ray from a crying infant at maximum inspiration. I agree that exercising with training programs for Radiologic Technicians will improve how x-rays are conducted on children’s. The article provides Statistics, Expert Credentials, and Emotional Descriptions to support my stand on why I agree with the idea of a training program for chest x-ray improvement.

Wagner, H. J. (2013). Pediatric nuclear medicine. S. T. Treves (Ed.). Springer Science & Business

The amount of radiation people are being exposed to is continuously increasing. Medical imaging plays a big role in this increase, mostly being CT scans. This increase is radiation has been a concern to the public because of the risks patients face. It can result in long-term harm, such as increasing their chances of developing cancer. The concern has been more focused on pediatric patients because of their bodies’ greater sensitivity and they would have a longer amount of time they would have to embody any changes. Four societies started the Image Gently campaign to raise awareness of the need to decreases radiation doses when performing medical scans. Image Gently’s goal is to reduce unnecessary exposure to pediatric patients and was considered

Since the evolution from conventional to digital radiography the radiation dose to patients have been significantly decreased.

When assisting the patient, the radiographers have to make sure they provide radiation safety not only for the patient but also for themselves. There are many different methods to providing safety. With the equipment and radiation dosage, highest KVp and the lowest mAs is used to provide the minimum amount of dosage required for the procedure. Furthermore, safety can be provided by reducing the amount of rime in radiation area, by putting as much distance between you and the radiation source as possible. When performing a portable examination stand at least six feet from x-ray source and wear a lead apron. The patient should remove any jewelry or metal accessories that may interfere with radiation procedure and both the technologist and the patient needs to wear protective lead shields for example lead gloves, aprons, skirts and thyroid shields to protect the other body parts from the radiation. It is advised to also always wear monitoring device at collar level. Lastly, the technologist uses immobilization devices to hold the patients when needed.