X-Ray Sciences and Technology - Essay Example

MEDICAL IMAGING Number: Health Sciences and Medicine: Introduction Safe operation while handling and using medical imaging equipment is critical in human safety. There are a number of medical imaging equipment, which utilizes various forms and mechanisms of energy to function. These include radiation, magnetic fields, contrast dye patterns, and echoic sound waves. These energy sources have proved to be hazardous especially to the human body and to the environment. Thus, it is of prime importance to apply safety operation guidelines and procedures. This dictates how medical staff handles the equipment safely in managing patients. Optima XR 220amx X-Ray System Among the many X-ray imaging equipment, this essay will focus on Optima XR 220amx mobile X-Ray System. It is manufactured by the GE Healthcare Company in the U.S. It is made of resilient materials that enable it to bear the weight of over 350lbs (GE HealthCare 2011, 14). It is square-shaped, and this allows easy positioning at all directions, either behind or beside the patients. Twin handles have been incorporated into the system to enhance its movement. (GE HealthCare 2011, 11). Radiation protection measures In radiation protection measures, the time of exposure, distance from the X-ray machine and shielding from the radiation are of core importance. The time of exposure to the rays should be minimal to prevent the effects of the X-rays. Both the medical practitioner handling the machine and the patient should spend minimal time in exposure to the radiation. Optima XR 220amx model is committed to offering high-clarity images at low-dose levels. Committed dose refers to the time integral of given dose rate in human tissue or organ over time. This accounts for the continuing exposures over long periods of time, for instance 25 or 45 years. It determines the exposure that one may receive from the radiation and the amount of radiation that will enter and stay in the body for many years. This translates to for instance, if one is prone to many exposures, for instance the radiologists, the minimal time they are to be exposed to the X-rays (3DX-Ray User Manual, 2005, 13). While using the Optima XR 220amx X-ray system, a safe distance of up to a meter should be maintained once the system has been charged and set to capture the images from the patients’ beds. All other persons but the patient should move away from the system, as to reduce their chances to exposure. There should be shielding from the radiation. Optima XR 220amx model provides this by coming with shielding equipment. This mobile shield is placed around the machine and the patient when capturing the images. The patient is covered with protective gowns along the areas where they it is felt the image is not required at that particular time although this practice might lower the quality of the image captured (Sean 2008, 154). The radiologist and other staff members around handling the machine are to dress up in shielding wear such as protective hand gloves, overalls and protective eye goggles. These protective wear are made in such a way that they absorb the radiation, preventing their penetration to the skin. They are thick and this too prevents penetration of the X-rays. Women who are pregnant, especially in the first trimester should not be allowed to handle the X-ray systems and for the patients, other diagnostic imaging options such as tomography and ultra-sound scans should be used. Reducing exposures using the ALARA (As Low as Reasonably Achievable) occupational and public doses is another protective measure (Hong 1997, 28). ALARA strives at ensuring that unnecessary exposure is avoided, and where unavoidable real exposures are present, effort is made to minimize those exposures. With the mobile X-ray, the ALARA rules are incorporated in the design of the machine. There is the protective enclosure whose function is to bar incidence of leakage radiation from the radiation box. Additionally the equipment room door should also be kept closed at all times especially while in operations to prevent any leakage of radiation out of the room. Radiation detection devices should be used to monitor the radiation dose that the staff may be exposed to. These devices offer no protective edge to the wearers but rather gauge the amount of dose one is being exposed to. They include Thermo-Lumiscence Dosimeters or Luxel Aluminum Oxide badges (Hong 1997, 33). Personnel monitoring is a crucial aspect of the radiation protection program. The TLD badges are assigned to gauge operators. Dosimeter badges are specifically worn at the waist or chest level. The major purpose of these badges is the collection and monitoring of the occupation radiation exposure. However, the badges do not offer any sort of protection but it only serve as a measure of exposure. The different types of crystals emit light if they get heated after an exposure to radiation. These crystals absorbs some energy from the radiation one is exposed to and then releases that form of energy as light once it is heated. The idea is, the light glow vary and is directly proportional to radiation amounts to which the TLD has been exposed (Hong 1997, 37). These badges are equivalent to normal human tissue in case of approximating radiation damage. However, a TLD has some limitation since it does not provide a consistent and a permanent record of radiation exposure because once heated by initial radiation, it releases the stored energy. Measures for safeguarding electromechanical safety The electromechanical safety of the mobile X-ray is of importance to ensure minimal hazard exposures to the health worker and the patients as well. This is also crucial in maintaining an optimal function of the X-ray machine. The Optima XR 220amx X-ray system has an access preventive feature, in form of adjustable enclosure guards. These guards are designed to provide safe operating environment for the operator. The machine also has well established manual guidelines that ensure the correct operation of the machine to prevent any sort of mistake that can pose a threat to safety of the people using the system (Hong 1997, 38). The Optima XR 220amx has an additional in-built safety system. This devices is installed in to the machine, to detect in good time any sort of hazards about to take place. Such feature gives a warning when the machine is not operating well and is in need of service. Technology has also enabled quick remedial actions that detect the problem from its source. Other safety features includes the safety light curtains, which prevent reach over into danger area (Hong 1997, 157). Additionally, a number of photoelectric sensors provide an effective method of prevention from unnoticeable movement of the machine that could pose danger to the people. Safety switches have been installed in the Optima XR 220amx to prevent mechanical hazards by the X-ray machine. The use of interlocking switches fitted to the guards of the system is used to prevent unauthorized access to the machine. The safety switches have also been placed at the power sources to prevent any incidents that might tamper with the power source connection that could cause electrical shock or even start fire in the room. The X-ray procedure by Optima XR 220amx uses a power voltage of around 35-45kV of DC (Direct Current) in order to produce a flux of rays. The super capacitors within the machine acts as a standby battery system. This enables operators to disconnect the machine from power outlet in case there is an electrical fault without interrupting the power supply to the machine (Hong 1997, 158). Braking and locking system is another essential feature of Optima XR220amx. This means that the machine can be secured in a specific location without any unplanned movement of the machine that can damage the machine or even endanger the lives of the people (3DX-Ray manual 2005). Locking system literally locks the wheels of the machines and hence can t move unless it is unlocked. The braking system also means that the X-ray machine can be moved around with ease, whereby the operator can control and brake where necessary. The Optima XR220amx has another last line of defense. The cable-winding feature contributes a lot to the safety of the operators and patients. Dangling and scattered electrical cords are real hazard. These conditions are known to cause stumbling accidents. However, this machine has a retractable electric reel, which winds the same cord to keep them in place to help ensure safety around the X-ray room (3DX-Ray manual 2005) Maximizing clinical utilization of the Optima XR220amx GE-healthcare, the manufacturers of Optima XR 220amx, is offering short-term training of how medical practitioners can operate the model. This will make them more equipped in handling the equipment, making them more competent in accurate diagnosis and managing patients’ conditions. Optima XR 220amx model is designed in ways that are more patient-friendly, in terms of their comfort when being put under the machine. The tubes are well fitted and patients do not have fear of the parts falling off (Sean 2008, 173). The Optima XR220amx model can be utilized more by many medical practitioners since they were made to be available in many centers of health care. Whilst operating the machine, health workers can easily maneuver in position due to the flexibility of the machine and its units. The tube positioning is easy with the full range of the Optima XR 220amx model column motion (Sean 2008, 174). When the utilization of this equipment is promoted in the health care systems, the management of diseases will improve and this will minimize morbidity and mortality rates, as Optima XR 220amx provides quality images thus accurate diagnosis. Quality Assurance tasks for the mobile X-ray machine Quality assurance is of importance in medical imaging. Optima XR 220amx model has encompassed policies that are under the European-wide QC protocol. This assurance ensures that there is regular testing of the system. The manufacturers have put a maintenance schedule, and it is to be followed. There should be regular replacing of the screen films. Skilled technicians should regularly check the tube and generator performance of Optima XR 220amx.The radiation output, half value layer and the dose-area-product accuracy are other important areas to be regularly checked so as to ensure optimal function of Optima XR 220amx model(3DX-Ray User Manual 2005, 43). The quality service of the GE OptimaXR220 is enhanced by ensuring that the machine is well taken care of. The machine is capable of automatic charging thus should be kept in well-ventilated rooms to facilitates the circulation of air in and out. Some gases such as hydrogen are generated during this process and should be gotten rid off. Hygiene is crucial in hospitals. The Machine should be kept clean all the time. Water should not be used for cleaning purposes but cleaning sprays that ensure there is no threat of electrocution during cleaning and also killing all the germs on the machine to avoid infection to patients and operators (Sean 2008, 73). Radiographers are also assigned the responsibility of ensuring that the data test is recorded on the standardized forms. This is crucial in detecting any deviation from normal that could necessitate servicing before a tragedy struck. Continuous monitoring of the X-ray image produced also detects some sort of problems about to happen. If any of these issues went unchecked, the X-ray output could be compromised hence endangering the lives of patients through incorrect diagnosis. Another critical issue in quality control is ensuring nobody is exposed to unnecessary radiation. This usually calls for continuous monitoring of any leakage of radiation for immediate action. The lead apron and radiology department always pose this challenge and thus the need for absolute care while dealing with this area (Sean 2008 75). This also gives a reason for a continuous and regular maintenance of the X-ray machines by experts. Conclusion The safe operation details of the Optima XR 220amx is seen to be of importance, as it controls the quality of imaging and at the same time ensure protection for the medical practitioners, other health workers, patients and other people in proximity with the system, who may be exposed to the radiation. It is therefore important to uphold the radiation protective measures that are provided by its manufacturers and other protocols. Optima XR 220amx system should always be maintained and protective features installed kept functional to ensure electromechanical safety. Quality assurance policies should be upheld too. With these in place, clinical utilization of Optima XR 220amx should be promoted to ensure quality and accurate management of conditions in the healthcare systems. References: 3DX-Ray User Manual.2005.Nottingham.Melton Mowbray Publishers Analytical X-Ray Safety Workbook.2001.Santa Cruz. University of California Press. GE HealthCare.2011.USA.General Electric Company. Hong Liu.1997.Journal of X-Ray Sciences and Technology. Clinical Applications of Diagnostics and Therapeutics.Olkahoma.JOS Printers. Richardson Tony.2007.Safe Operating Procedures-Ray Developers.Adelaide.University of Adelaide. Sean Boyd.2008.Radiation Safety Considerations for X- Ray Equipment Designed for Hand-Held Use. Washington DC. Centre for Devices and Radiological Health. South-Paul J.E., S. Matheny and E.Lewis.2007.Current Diagnosis and Treatment. Washington DC. McGraw Hill Publishers. Tuohy, B., G.Tuohy, P.Cooney, B.Moran and J.Malone.2012.Quality Assurance Programme Applied to Mobile X-Ray Equipment.London.Oxford University Press. . Read More