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:
Categories: Radiology, X-ray/Radiography/Fluoroscopy, Radiation Safety/Protection
In order to receive CE credit, you must first complete the activity content. When completed, go to the "Take CE Test!" link to access the post-test.
Submit the completed answers to determine if you have passed the post-test assessment. You must answer 18 out of 24 questions correctly to receive the CE credit. You will have no more than 3 attempts to successfully complete the post-test.
Participants successfully completing the activity content and passing the post-test will receive 2.5 ARRT Category A credits.
Approved by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for ARRT Category A credit.
Approved by the state of Florida for ARRT Category A credit.
Texas direct credit.
This activity may be available in multiple formats or from different sponsors. ARRT does not allow CE activities such as Internet courses, home study programs, or directed readings to be repeated for CE credit in the same biennium.
Category | Content Area | Credits |
---|---|---|
Bone Densitometry | Patient Care | 0.25 |
Cardiac Interventional | Image Production | 0.5 |
Computed Tomography | Safety | 1.25 |
Nuclear Medicine | Safety | 2.25 |
Radiation Therapy | Safety | 2.25 |
Radiography | Safety | 2.5 |
Radiologist Assistant | Safety | 2.5 |
Vascular Interventional | Image Production | 0.5 |
Category | Subcategory | Credits |
---|---|---|
Bone Densitometry | Patient Bone Health, Care, and Radiation Principles | 0.25 |
Cardiac Interventional | Image Acquisition and Equipment | 0.5 |
Computed Tomography | Radiation Safety and Dose | 1.25 |
Nuclear Medicine | Radiation Physics, Radiobiology, and Regulations | 2.25 |
Radiation Therapy | Radiation Physics and Radiobiology | 1.75 |
Radiation Therapy | Radiation Protection, Equipment Operation, and Quality Assurance | 0.5 |
Radiography | Radiation Physics and Radiobiology | 2 |
Radiography | Radiation Protection | 0.5 |
Radiologist Assistant | Patient Safety, Radiation Protection and Equipment Operation | 2.5 |
Vascular Interventional | Image Acquisition and Equipment | 0.5 |
Stacy Kopso, MEd, RT(R)(M)*
*Program Director and Radiology Instructor, Cambridge College of Healthcare and Technology, Delray Beach, FL.
Address correspondence to: Stacy Kopso, MEd, RT(R)(M). E-mail: kopsostacy@gmail.com.
Disclosure statement: The author reports having no significant financial or advisory relationships with corporate organizations related to this activity.
ABSTRACT
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.
* This sample course is for reference purposes only. It is not currently available for earning CE credits. To earn ARRT CE credits please subscribe to eRADIMAGING where you will see a complete listing of all active and eligible CE courses.
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