CT scan protoclos at RMC HOSPITAL Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

CT scan protoclos at RMC HOSPITAL - Essay ExampleSingle-slice helical CT scanners were introduced in the 1980s and multislice CT scanners in the 1990s, which allows a larger section of the clay to be scanned in a smaller period of m (Wesolowski, 2005).From the practical perspective, the benefits of CTs are immense. However, CT scans involve higher doses of actinotherapy than the conventional x-ray procedure (Smith-Bindman et al, 2009). CT contri moreoveres a large dose towards medical ir ir ray, and is the main source of man- made radiation excluding natural minimise radiation (Wiest, 2002). There is concern about the moving-picture show of radiation in children and adult population and the incidental long-term cancer risks. CT procedures cause high doses of radiation to be absorbed through the skin, in the range of 20-30 mGY (2-3 rads) (Wiest, 2002). There is greater concern for the pediatric population because they are more sensitive to radiation exposure than the adult po pulation (Brenner, 2007). Children are more prone to exposure because they have a larger proportion of dividing cells and the tissues of children are up to 10 times more radiosensitive than adults (Brenner, 2007). Chwals et al., found that CT examinations of the head, breadbasket and pelvis routinely performed in pediatric trauma patients exposed them to 50 times the standard each year dose of background ionizing radiation (Chwals, 2008). Radiation exposure in the adult population is low but still a concern. Broder suggests that in adults, it reaches its threshold in the 40s and then slowly decreases (Broder, 2006).Due to the repetitive radiation exposure and adverse effects associated with it, the operators of CT are expected to possess a concrete noesis and practical understanding how to reduce the radiation dose patients receive to acceptable minimum (Manghat et al, 2005). Similar concerns regarding radiation exposure and cancer risks have propelled the medical community to im plement protocols to lower the radiation dose in children, by adjusting the machine settings without compromising important information (Brenner, 2007). Other measures include reducing repeat CTs and decrease unnecessary CTs by ensuring that any additional CTs ordered by a physician will barely benefit the patient (Brenner, 2007). According to Manghat et al (2005), CT operators can utilize the variety of strategies to reduce radiation exposure such as the use of bismuth shields to protect organs sensitive to radiation, adjusting the machine settings victimization automatic exposure control (AEC), the tube voltage (kVp) reduction, decreasing the pitch and the tube current-time product (mAs).Practically, educating doctors regarding the risks associated with radiation is an important factor to allow physicians to make informed decisions when considering radiological tests (Thomas, 2006). Lee and colleagues highlighted this in a canvass that found 75% of Emergency Department (ED) phys icians and radiologists underestimated the risks associated with radiation from CT examinations (Thomas, 2006). Recognition of the potential cancer risks by the medical community has pressed CT manufactures to implement programs to allow adjustment of the dose with respect to the childs body mass (Chwals, 2008). As of 2003, the majority of hospitals in developed countries reported implementing some programs to reduce radiation exposure in children, though still many hospitals have yet to implement these changes