Course Description
Fluoroscopy is designed to provide real-time images of dynamic processes occurring within the body, especially when an imaging contrast is used along with it. Since the late 1800s, fluoroscopy has been in clinical use, and it has been used for diagnostic, therapeutic, and interventional procedures. Over time, fluoroscopy has grown and evolved and is currently used in numerous medical specialties, including orthopedics, pain management, neurology, gastroenterology, cardiology, and vascular specialties among many others. Radiation doses and the risk of radiation dose-related injury to both interventionalists and radiologic technologists (RTs) and patients are typically higher with interventional fluoroscopic systems that utilize 2 ionizing radiation sources, including biplane fluoroscopic systems. As a result, each clinical scenario involving biplane fluoroscopy should be carefully evaluated to justify the procedure, limit adverse effects, and utilize guidelines and protocols to prevent harm to patients and staff. A review of the most current technological features as well as safety measures and procedures can greatly benefit all radiological imaging professionals. This course will serve as a review of current fluoroscopic biplane systems, their features, technical parameters, and various components. It will also review the latest safety precautions and protocols that should be adhered to by both RTs and patients during biplane fluoroscopic imaging studies. Finally, this course will also prepare RTs and all imaging professionals working in a fluoroscopy suite on how to avoid significant dose events or accidental or unintended exposures of patients and how to recognize significant dose events and identify patients at risk for radiation-induced tissue reactions.

Learning Objectives
After reviewing the content of this course, the participant should be able to:

• OUTLINE the types of biplane fluoroscopy systems and their clinical applications.
• IDENTIFY the equipment and technical parameters that comprise the imaging chain of a biplane fluoroscopy system.
• EXPLAIN radiation dose metrics pertaining to biplane fluoroscopy imaging studies.
• RECALL compliance and regulatory guidelines pertaining to biplane fluoroscopy radiation dose metrics.
• EXPLAIN how radiation dose is collected, analyzed, and recorded from a biplane fluoroscopic procedure.
• IDENTIFY different approaches to applying dose reduction strategies for patients and radiologic technologists in biplane fluoroscopy procedures.
• DIFFERENTIATE the biological effects of exposure to ionizing radiation including stochastic, deterministic, and skin effects.
• COMPARE current techniques for skin dose monitoring, such as mapping techniques, and OUTLINE various diagnostic reference levels.

Categories: Radiology, Digital Radiography, 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 30 out of 40 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 4.5 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 (for Technical credits)

Texas direct credit.

California Credit Distribution Information:
Digital Radiography: 4.0 credits
Fluoroscopy: 4.5 credits
Fluoroscopy Safety: 3.75 credits 

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.