Search

The objective of this work is to present the results for quality control tests applied to projection images acquisition in digital mammography and breast tomosynthesis (DBT). Mean glandular doses (MGD) were measured for the examination of series of women and for breast-simulating polymethyl methacrylate phantoms, thus assessing the suitability of the phantoms used for dosimetry in 2D mammography for DBT dosimetry. Moreover, X-ray tube output and half value layer measurements for MGD estimation using phantoms are also presented. Three different mammography/DBT systems were considered in this work: Hologic Selenia Dimensions, General Electric Senoclaire and Pristina and Siemens Inspiration. The results obtained for the different projections were compared with the 2D acquisitions and the differences between the two image modalities were compared.

Main text The present document reports the results of a bilateral comparison in the calibration of mass standards that was carried out between CESMEC (Chile) and CENAMEP AIP (Panamá). This comparison was carried out in the following nominal values: 200 mg, 1 g, 50 g, 200 g, 1 kg, 2 kg, and 10 kg. To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database https://www.bipm.org/kcdb/. The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

Studies have reported cases of radiation-induced cataract among cardiology professionals. In view of the evidence of epidemiological studies, the ICRP recommends a new threshold for opacities and a new radiation dose to eye lens limit of 20mSv per year for occupational exposure. The aim of this paper is to report scattered radiation doses at the height of the operator's eye in an interventional cardiology facility without considering radiation protection devices and to correlate these values with different angiographic projections and operational modes. Measurements were taken in a cardiac laboratory with an angiography X-ray system equipped with flat-panel detector. PMMA plates of 30×30×5cm were used with a thickness of 20cm. Measurements were taken in two fluoroscopy modes (low and normal, 15pulses/s) and in cine mode (15frames/s). Four angiographic projections were used: anterior posterior; lateral; left anterior oblique caudal (spider); and left anterior oblique cranial, with a cardiac protocol for patients weighing between 70 and 90kg. Measurements of phantom entrance dose rate and scatter dose rate were performed with two Unfors Xi plus detectors. The detector measuring scatter radiation was positioned at the usual distance of the cardiologist's eyes during working conditions. There is a good linear correlation between the kerma area product and scatter dose at the lens. Experimental correlation factors of 2.3, 12.0, 12.2 and 17.6μSv/Gycm2 were found for different projections. PMMA entrance dose rates for low and medium fluoroscopy and cine modes were 13, 39 and 282mGy/min, respectively, for AP projection.

According to the National Register of Health Care Facilities (CNES), there are approximately 477 mammography systems operating in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, of which an estimated 200 are digital apparatus using mainly computerized radiography (CR) or direct radiography (DR) systems. Mammography is irreplaceable in the diagnosis and early detection of breast cancer, the leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. A high standard of image quality alongside smaller doses and optimization of procedures are essential if early detection is to occur. This study aimed to determine dosimetry and image quality in 68 mammography services in Minas Gerais using CR or DR systems. The data of this study were collected between the years of 2011 and 2013. The contrast-to-noise ratio proved to be a critical point in the image production chain in digital systems, since 90% of services were not compliant in this regard, mainly for larger PMMA thicknesses (60 and 70 mm). Regarding the image noise, only 31% of these were compliant. The average glandular dose found is of concern, since more than half of the services presented doses above acceptable limits. Therefore, despite the potential benefits of using CR and DR systems, the employment of this technology has to be revised and optimized to achieve better quality image and reduce radiation dose as much as possible.

Debido a que los procedimientos de radiodiagnostico e intervencionismo representan una de las principales fuentes de irradiacion a la poblacion por radiaciones ionizantes, se vuelve prioritario conocer las magnitudes y unidades que dan cuenta de la dosimetria a los pacientes. Existen innumerables documentos y recomendaciones internacionales sobre nombres, conceptos, definiciones y campos de aplicacion para diversas magnitudes y unidades utilizadas en la dosimetria de pacientes en procedimientos de radiodiagnostico e intervencionismo. Sin embargo, la legislacion nacional no se encuentra actualizada en este sentido y no contempla en ninguno de sus documentos, un glosario actualizado que permita encontrar en forma rapida y precisa este tipo de informacion. Por lo anterior, este trabajo de revision presenta de manera didactica y en un lenguaje sencillo, las principales magnitudes y unidades que se deben utilizar en la dosimetria de pacientes sometidos a procedimientos de radiodiagnostico e intervencionismo.

This paper presents the first experimental result for scatter dose at the height of the operator's eye measured for a Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) phantom simulating an adult patient in an interventional laboratory at Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Values for scattered radiation doses at the height of the operator's eye are reported for procedures performed with and without a ceiling-suspended screen. Correlations between scatter radiation doses and different angiographic projections, phantom entrance dose and kerma area product, were obtained. Experimental measurements were made in an angiography X-ray system equipped with flat-panel detector. A cine and three fluoroscopy modes: low, medium and high dose were available. Scattered radiation doses were measured at three angiographic projections: anterior-posterior (AP), left anterior oblique 90° and left anterior oblique 45° with cranial 30° (spider) angulations. The detector measuring scatter radiation was positioned at the usual distance of the cardiologist's eye and the detector measuring phantom entrance dose was positioned at the bottom of the PMMA phantom. The phantom entrance dose for fluoroscopy low, medium, high and cine were 15, 29, 36 ± 4 and 184 ± 18 mGy/min, respectively to AP projection. A good linear correlation exists between phantom entrance doses rate and scatter dose rate to AP projection. There is a good linear correlation between the kerma-area product and scatter dose at the height of the operator's eye, coefficient of determination R2 were 0.9728 and 0.9913 with and without ceiling-suspended screen. An experimental correlation factor of 0.1 and 3.5 μSv/Gy*cm2 has been found for the AP projection with and without ceiling-suspended screen, respectively. Scatter dose at the eyes cardiologist position depends on the C-arm angulation an increase of the scatter radiation dose by a factor of 5 was found. The highest dose rate in the lens was 19.74 ± 1.97 mSv/h without ceiling-suspended screen in cine mode for “spider” projection. For lateral projection in cine mode, the ceiling-suspended screen reduced dose by a factor 0.01. Interventional operator may therefore easily exceed the lens dose limit if ceiling-suspended screen is not used.

Latin American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela) working under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Technical Cooperation Programme: TSA3 Radiological Protection of Patients in Medical Exposures have joined efforts in the optimization of radiation protection in mammography practice. Through surveys of patient doses, the region has a unique database of diagnostic reference levels for analog and digital equipment that will direct future optimization activities, towards the early detection of breast cancer among asymptomatic women. During RLA9/057 (2007-2009) 24 institutions participated with analog equipment in a dose survey. Regional training on methodology and measurement equipment was addressed in May 2007. Mean glandular dose (DG) was estimated using the incident kerma in air and relevant conversion coefficients for both projections craneo caudal and mediolateral oblique (CC and MLO). For phase two, RLA9/067 (2010-2011), it was decided to include also digital systems in order to see their impact in future dose optimization activities. Any new country that joined the project received training in the activities through IAEA expert missions. 29 new institutions participated (9 analog and 20 digital equipment). A total of 2262 patient doses were collected during this study and from them DG (mGy) for both projections were estimated for each institution and country. Regional results (75 percentile in mGy) show for CC and MLO respectively: RLA9/057 (analog) 2.63 and 3.17; RLA/067: 2.57 and 3.15 (analog) and 2.69 and 2.90 (digital). Regarding only digital equipment for CC and MLO respectively, computed radiography (CR) systems showed 2.59 and 2.78 and direct digital radiography (DDR) systems 2.78 and 3.04. Based on the IAEA Basic Safety Standard (BSS) reference dose (3mGy), it can be observed that there is enough room to start optimization processes in Latin America (LA); several countries or even particular institutions have values much higher than the 3mGy. Main issues to address are: lack of well established Quality Assurance (QA) programs for mammography, not enough medical physicists with training in mammography, an increase in patient doses with the introduction of digital equipment and to create awareness on radiation risk and optimization strategies, Fil: Mora, Patricia. Universidad de Costa Rica; Costa Rica Fil: Blanco, Susana Alicia Ana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Khoury, Helen. Universidade Federal de Pernambuco; Brasil Fil: Leyton, Fernando. Universidad Diego Portales; Chile. Universidad de Tarapaca.; Chile Fil: Cárdenas, Juan. Centro de Protección e Higiene de las Radiaciones; Cuba Fil: Defaz, María Yolanda. Hospital Oncológico Solca Núcleo de Quito; Ecuador Fil: Escobar, Carolina. Unidad Reguladora de Radiaciones Ionizantes; El Salvador Fil: Flaviano Telón. Ministerio de Energía y Minas. Dirección General de Energía ; Guatemala Fil: García Aguilar, Juán. Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Nucleares; México Fil: Roas, Norma. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Nicaragua; Nicaragua Fil: Gamarra, Mirta. Ministerio de Salud Pública y Bienestar Social; Paraguay Fil: Blanco, Daniel. Centro de Investigaciones Nucleares; Uruguay Fil: Quintero, Ana Rosa. Hospital Oncológico ‘Dr. Luis Razetti’; Venezuela Fil: Nader, Alejandro. Organización de Las Naciones Unidas; Argentina. International Atomic Energy Agency; Austria

We discuss some aspects related to the legal framework, international recommendations and training programs on radiological protection; image quality and equipment; the biological effects and risks of ionizing radiation; lesions in patients and operators; patient’s reference levels; occupational dose limit and preventive actions. The use of ionizing radiation involves risks that are justified in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The awareness and knowledge of these risks minimizes the damage, optimizing the quality of images and safe use of ionizing radiation. There is evidence of radiation induced cataracts in individuals who work in catheterization laboratories. Several studies suggest there may be a significant risk of lens opacity, if radiological protection devices are not properly used. Additionally, these interventional procedures are performed in Latin America, usually by medical specialists in collaboration with nurses, technologists and technicians, who often do not have adequate training in radiological protection.

A fim de garantir de garantir que o rastreamento e diagnóstico mamográfico são feitos corretamente e de forma eficiente, a Vigilância Sanitária do governo de Minas Gerais, no Brasil criou o 'Programa de Monitoramento Mensal de Qualidade em Mamografia dos serviços públicos e privados do Estado de Minas Gerais' no Brasil, Imagens do phantom do Colégio Brasileiro de Radiologia são enviadas para a Agência Governamental onde são avaliadas visualmente. O objetivo deste trabalho é desenvolver um programa para a avaliação semiautomática das microcalcificações presentes nas imagens do phantom. Técnicas de processamento digital foram aplicadas nas imagens, com o objetivo de caracterizar cada objeto de interesse presente no phantom de mama. Os algoritmos foram desenvolvidos em MATLAB e a avaliação dos objetos teste foi feitas de acordo com parâmetros estabelecidos pelo Ministério da Saúde do Brasil. O nível de concordância entre a avaliação visual e computacional é considerado "razoável", de acordo com o estatístico “coeficiente kappa” o qual determina a força de concordância entre os métodos, o valor de kappa foi de 0,291. O programa pode se tornar uma boa ferramenta na automação das avaliações das imagens do phantom.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to present the results of a pilot program on patient dosimetry carried out in Chile during the last 5 yr, using a biplane x-ray angiography system settled for pediatrics. This research was conducted in Latin America under the auspices of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) supporting programs on radiological protection (RP) of patients. Methods: Patient age, gender, weight, height, number of cine series, total number of cine frames, fluoroscopy time, and two dosimetric quantities [air kerma-area product (P{sub ka}) and cumulative dose (CD) at the patient entrance reference point] were recorded for each procedure. Results: The study includes 544 patients grouped into four age groups. The distributions by age group were 150 for

Radiation dose and image quality for paediatric protocols in all five X-ray fluoroscopy systems used for interventional cardiology procedures existing in Chile have been evaluated. Entrance surface air kerma (ESAK) and image quality using a test object (TO) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) phantoms have been measured for the typical paediatric patient thicknesses (4-16 cm of PMMA). Images from fluoroscopy (low (FL), medium and high) and cine (CI) modes have been archived in DICOM format. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), figure of merit (FOM) and high-contrast spatial resolution (HCSR) have been computed from the images. The ratio between the maximum and the minimum value of ESAK per frame for a given fluoroscopy mode between the five systems ranges from 2 to 5 and from 14 to 38 for CI mode. SNR, FOM and HCSR showed a great variability for the different acquisition modes (AMs) and PMMA thickness. In the near future, it is urgent to upgrade Chilean legislation on radiation protection to incorporate quality assurance programmes that will allow us to evaluate and optimise the X-ray systems used in medical applications. Increments in doses per frame when increasing phantom thickness and when used CI runs instead of FL runs can be considered by the cardiologist in the good management of patient dose and allow them to select the best imaging AM during clinical procedures.

Interventional cardiology procedures usually imply high doses to the staff, as paediatric cardiologists need to stay closer to the patient than during adult procedures. Also, biplane systems are used that imply an additional source of staff doses. The objective of this paper is to measure scatter doses in four X-ray systems, using polymethyl methacrylate phantoms with thicknesses ranging from 4 to 16 cm to simulate paediatric patients, for the different acquisition modes. Scatter dose rates measured at the position of cardiologist's eyes ranged from 0.8 to 12 mSv h(-1), and about twice the above values at lower extremities, as a linear function of the surface air kerma at the phantom, keeping the irradiated area constant. Therefore, the respective personal dose equivalent for the lens of the eyes may be around 0.5 and 1 mSv throughout the procedure, if additional protection is not used. Simultaneous cine acquisition in biplane systems yielded scatter doses to cardiologists, increased by factors from 5 to 21, compared with a single C-arm acquisition case and depending on geometry. Knowledge of scatter doses for different operation modes, patient thicknesses and the biplane operation should help paediatric cardiologists to adopt conservative attitudes in respect of their occupational radiation risks.

In pediatric interventional cardiology, cardiologists need to stay closer to the patient than during adult catheterization, and the use of biplane systems increases the scatter radiation. Occupational radiation risk is rather high, and estimation of lens doses becomes necessary. Deriving factors for assessing these doses from the patient doses displayed in catheterization laboratories can help in preserving staff radiation safety. A biplane X-ray system and polymethylmethacrylate plates of 4 to 20 cm to simulate pediatric patients have been used. Patient entrance dose rates, dose-area product, and doses to the eyes of the cardiologists for the typical operation modes have been measured. Correlations between patient and staff doses have been obtained. Scatter dose rates increase by a factor of 92 from low fluoroscopy to cine acquisition when phantom thickness increases from 4 to 20 cm. Scatter doses increase linearly with dose-area product for all the thicknesses. Administration of 1 Gy x cm(2) to the patient involves 7 microSv to the eyes of the cardiologist (without extra protection). In conclusion, the experimental correlation factors found between phantom and scatter doses allow a fairly good estimation of staff doses from the dosimetric patient data.

This report summarizes the results of a SIM comparison of a 1 kg mass standard carried out by 7 NMIs. The results reported by the participants are consistent with each other and they can be linked to the comparison CCM.M-K4 with satisfactory degrees of equivalence. Main text To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/. The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

A conventional mass comparison was carried out between the Servicio Autonomo Nacional de Normalizacion, Calidad, Metrologia y Reglamentos Tecnicos (SENCAMER, Venezuela) and Laboratorio Custodio de ...

Area monitoring is a fundamental test at radiodiagnostic facilities to maintain an acceptable level of radiation exposure for employees and members of the public. Experimental measurements were taken in an ionising radiation calibration laboratory. Four area monitor instruments were used. Dose and dose rate measurements were measured in integrated and rate operating modes. The results show that precautions are necessary where the area monitor uses exposure times of ≤2 s. When taking measurements in rate mode for times ≤2 s, the area monitors evaluated show a tendency to underestimate dose rate, the inaccuracy was 41 %, and varied between 34 and 45 % for different energies. It is highly recommendable to work in integrated mode, inaccuracy varied from 2 to 35 %. For measurements taken with exposure times of ≥3 s, the average inaccuracy was 15 % and the range was between 2 and 41 %.

The purpose of this paper was to estimate mean glandular dose levels (DG) in six digital mammography systems in Santiago, Chile, and to propose preliminary reference levels to execute mammography in Chile. The study was carried out assessing two direct digital systems and four computer-based radiography (CR) systems. Estimates of DG were calculated for different thicknesses of polymethyl methacrylate according to the quality control protocol in digital mammography of the Spanish Society of Medical Physics and NHSBSP Equipment Report 0604 Version 3. DG values ranged between 0.64 and 7.26 mGy for a range of 20- to 70-mm thickness, respectively. Thirty-six per cent of DG was higher than the acceptable dose level and 100 % of DG was higher than the desirable level. It is therefore necessary to optimise doses. The initial proposal to establish dose reference levels for DG would range between 0.90 and 6.40 mGy for a thickness range of 20 to 70 mm.

A mass comparison was carried out between the Instituto Ecuatoriano de Normalization (INEN, Ecuador) and Laboratorio Custodio de los Patrones Nacionales de Masa at CESMEC Ltda. (CESMEC-LCPN-M, Chil...

Discutimos aqui aspectos vinculados ao enquadramento legal, a recomendações internacionais e a programas de formação em proteção radiológica; ao angiógrafo e à qualidade da imagem; aos efeitos biológicos e aos riscos das radiações ionizantes; às lesões em operadores e pacientes; aos níveis de referência do paciente; ao limite de dose ocupacional e a suas medidas de prevenção. O uso das radiações ionizantes acarreta riscos, que, contudo, justificam-se em procedimentos diagnósticos e terapêuticos. A consciência e o conhecimento desses riscos minimizam o dano, otimizando a qualidade da imagens e o uso seguro das radiações ionizantes. Tem-se demonstrado a ocorrência de cataratas radioinduzidas em trabalhadores de laboratórios de cateterismo. Diversos estudos sugerem que pode haver um risco significativo de opacidade do cristalino, caso não se utilizem adequadamente os dispositivos de proteção radiológica. Adicionalmente, esses tipos de procedimentos intervencionistas são realizados na América Latina, geralmente por médicos especialistas, com a colaboração de enfermeiros, tecnólogos e técnicos, que, muitas vezes, não têm formação adequada em proteção radiológica. We discuss some aspects related to the legal framework, international recommendations and training programs on radiological protection; image quality and equipment; the biological effects and risks of ionizing radiation; lesions in patients and operators; patient's reference levels; occupational dose limit and preventive actions. The use of ionizing radiation involves risks that are justified in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The awareness and knowledge of these risks minimizes the damage, optimizing the quality of images and safe use of ionizing radiation. There is evidence of radiation-induced cataracts in individuals who work in catheterization laboratories. Several studies suggest there may be a significant risk of lens opacity, if radiological protection devices are not properly used. Additionally, these interventional procedures are performed in Latin America, usually by medical specialists in collaboration with nurses, technologists and technicians, who often do not have adequate training in radiological protection.

Area monitoring ensures radiation exposure at an acceptable level, which must be lower than the legal limit. Experimental measurements were taken in an ionizing radiation calibration laboratory. The specified reference radiation to radiation protection N80 was used. Five area monitors were used. The ranges of dose rate inaccuracy measured in rate mode for times ≤ 2 and ≥ 3s were from 10 to 48% and from 1 to 15%, respectively. The inaccuracy ranges measured in integrated mode for times ≤ 2 and ≥ 3s were from 4 to 8% and from 0 to 22%, respectively.

The aim of this study was to present the results of a pilot program on patient dosimetry carried out in Chile during the last 5 yr, using a biplane x-ray angiography system settled for pediatrics. This research was conducted in Latin America under the auspices of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) supporting programs on radiological protection (RP) of patients.Patient age, gender, weight, height, number of cine series, total number of cine frames, fluoroscopy time, and two dosimetric quantities [air kerma-area product (P(ka)) and cumulative dose (CD) at the patient entrance reference point] were recorded for each procedure.The study includes 544 patients grouped into four age groups. The distributions by age group were 150 for1 yr; 203 for 1 to5 yr; 97 for 5 to10 yr; and 94 for 10 to16 yr. Median values of P(ka) and CD for the four age groups were 0.94, 1.46, 2.13, and 5.03 Gy cm(2) and 23.9, 26.8, 33.5, and 51.6 mGy, respectively. No significant statistical differences were found between diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. A moderate correlation (r = 0.64) was seen between P(ka) and patient weight.The dose values reported in this paper were lower than those published in the previous work for the same age groups as a result of the optimization actions carried out by cardiologists and medical physicists with the support of the IAEA. Methodology and results will be used as a starting point for a wider survey in Chile and Latin America with the goal to obtain regional diagnostic reference levels as recently recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection for interventional procedures.

Mammography is currently considered to be the best tool for early detection of breast cancer. The target groups of most of the population-based screening programmes are women aged between 50 and 65 years. A recent study has also shown mortality benefit in the age group 40-49 (Hellquist, et al, 2010). Screen-film mammography has been to date the traditional test for breast screening having been shown its efficacy in reducing breast cancer mortality in large randomised trials (Duffy, et al, 2006). The potential advantages of digital mammography over screen-film techniques have been the subject of several investigations which provides an improved diagnosis in dense breasts and an increase in breast cancer detection rate (Pisano et al, 2006; Hendrick et al, 2010).

The aim of this work is to present a methodology and some initial results for a pilot program on radiation protection (RP) in pediatric interventional cardiology under the auspices of the International Atomic Energy Agency. The starting point of the program was a workshop involving several pediatric cardiologists leading this specialty in 11 Latin American countries. The workshop included a pilot RP training course and additional sessions during which the objectives of the program and the methodology to collect and process data on patient and staff radiation doses were discussed. Special attention was dedicated to agree on a common quality control (QC) protocol for the x-ray and imaging systems used in the different catheterization laboratories. The preliminary data showed that only 64% of the cardiologists used their personal dosimeters regularly and that only 36% were aware of their personal dose values. The data on pediatric interventional activity were collected from 10 centers from nine different countries. A total of 2,429 procedures (50% diagnostic and 50% therapeutic) were carried out during 2009 in these centers. Patient dose data were available in only a few centers and were not analyzed on a regular basis in any of the catheterization laboratories involved. Plans were developed for a basic QC protocol of the x-ray systems and construction of a Latin American database on pediatric cardiology with patient and staff dose values with the idea in mind of obtaining distributions of these dose values before promoting several optimization strategies.

The aim of this work was to investigate the differences in dose settings and image quality among 10 X-ray systems used for interventional cardiology in Chile. Entrance surface air kerma (ESAK) was measured on a phantom of 20 cm thickness of polymethyl methacrylate slabs. Image quality was evaluated using DICOM images of a test object Leeds TOR 18-FG for cine mode acquisition, through the numerical parameters signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), high-contrast spatial resolution (HCSR) and figure of merit. ESAK rate values for fluoroscopy modes ranged between 7.1 and 121.7 mGy min(-1). For cine mode, ESAK values per frame ranged from 63 to 400 µGy fr(-1). SNR and HCSR parameters for cine mode varied from 4.8 to 8.6 and 0.4 to 10, respectively. FOM values resulted from 6.9 to 64.5 among the different X-ray systems. Results show important differences between systems and point out the need to launch an optimisation programme.

Entrance surface air kerma (ESAK) values and image quality parameters were measured and compared for two biplane angiography x-ray systems dedicated to paediatric interventional cardiology, one equipped with image intensifiers (II) and the other one with dynamic flat detectors (FDs). Polymethyl methacrylate phantoms of different thicknesses, ranging from 8 to 16 cm, and a Leeds TOR 18-FG test object were used. The parameters of the image quality evaluated were noise, signal-difference-to-noise ratio (SdNR), high contrast spatial resolution (HCSR) and three figures of merit combining entrance doses and signal-to-noise ratios or HCSR. The comparisons showed a better behaviour of the II-based system in the low contrast region over the whole interval of thicknesses. The FD-based system showed a better performance in HCSR. The FD system evaluated would need around two times more dose than the II system evaluated to reach a given value of SdNR; moreover, a better spatial resolution was measured (and perceived in conventional monitors) for the system equipped with flat detectors. According to the results of this paper, the use of dynamic FD systems does not lead to an automatic reduction in ESAK or to an automatic improvement in image quality by comparison with II systems. Any improvement also depends on the setting of the x-ray systems and it should still be possible to refine these settings for some of the dynamic FDs used in paediatric cardiology.

This report summarizes the results of a SIM comparison in masss carried out between 7 NMIs. Five mass standards with nominal values 2 kg, 200 g, 50 g, 1 g and 200 mg have been circulated by the NMIs. The results reported by the participants are consistent with each other and with the key comparison reference valu of the comparison CCM.M-K5 to which the present comparison has been linked. Main text To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/. The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

Se realizó un Levantamiento Radiométrico en dos servicios de imaginología con un total de 7 salas de radiodiagnóstico evaluadas. Se utilizó metodología del Protocolo de Control de Calidad en Radiodiagnóstico ARCAL (Acuerdo de Cooperación Regional para la promoción de la ciencia nuclear y tecnología en América Latina y el Caribe) XLIX del Organismo Internacional de Energía Atómica (OIEA)(1). Se calcularon las tasas de dosis efectiva en superficie en diferentes posiciones de interés desde el punto de vista de la protección radiológica. El 85% de las posiciones evaluadas presentan tasas de dosis efectivas que cumplen con los valores límites establecidos en el protocolo ARCAL XLIX. No obstante el personal ocupacionalmente expuesto (POE) ubicado a un metro del simulador (área controlada)(2) supera hasta en un factor 7 el límite propuesto en ARCAL XLIX A radiometric study was carried out in two Radiodiagnostic Units, with seven rooms being assessed. Methodology of the Radiodiagnostics Quality Control Protocol ARCAL XLIX (Cooperation Agreement for the Promotion of Nuclear Science and Technology in Latin America and the Caribbean) of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) [1] was used. From radiation protection viewpoint, effective dose rates on surface for different relevant positions were calculated.The eigthy-five percent (85%) of assessed positions showed effective dose rates within limit values established in the ARCAL XLIX Protocol. Nevertheless, occupationally-exposed personnel (OEP) placed at position A (controlled area)[2] -one meter distant from the phantom- was found to be exceeding by 7 the ARCAL XLIX advised values

Las exposiciones médicas constituyen la principal fuente de exposición a radiaciones ionizantes a la población mundial. Por esta razón, la Comunidad Europea ha desarrollado una serie de acuerdos, que tienen como objetivo regularizar estas actividades. En el mismo sentido España, a través de una serie de Decretos Reales estructuró un marco legal que considera aspectos amplios de Protección Radiológica, como así también criterios de calidad de las exposiciones médicas, las cuales pueden ser usadas como referencia para desarrollar estos temas en nuestro país Medical exposures constitute the major source of ionizing radiation to which the world population is exposed to. Due to this fact, the European Community has implemented a number of agreements aimed at regulating these activities. For its part, Spain - through a series of Royal Ordinances - has developed a legal framework to broadly address not only Radiation Protection but medical exposure quality criteria as well. These regulations may be used as reference criteria to addressing same issues in our country

Exposure to ionizing radiation is a known hazard of radiological procedures.To compare the emission of secondary ionizing radiation from two coronary angiographic equipment, one with digital and the other with analog image generation. To evaluate the effectiveness of external radiological protection devices.Environmental and fluoroscopy generated radiation in the cephalic region of the patient was measured during diagnostic coronary angiographies. Ionizing radiation generated in anterior left oblique projection (ALO) and in anterior right oblique projection (ARO) were measured with and without leaded protections. In 19 patients (group 1), a digital equipment was used and in 21 (group 2), an analog equipment.Header radiation for groups 1 and 2 was 1194 +/- 337 and 364 +/- 222 microGray/h respectively (p0.001). During fluoroscopy and with leaded protection generated radiation for groups 1 and 2 was 612 +/- 947 and 70 +/- 61 microGray/h respectively (p0.001). For ALO projection, generated radiation for groups 1 and 2 was 105 +/- 47 and 71 +/- 192 microGray/h respectively (p0.001). During filming the radiation for ALO projection for groups 1 and 2 was 7252 +/- 9569 and 1671 +/- 2038 microGray/h respectively (p = 0.03). Out of the protection zone, registered radiation during fluoroscopy for groups 1 and 2 was 2800 +/- 1741 and 1318 +/- 954 microGray/h respectively (p0.001); during filming, the figures were 15,500 +/- 5840 and 18,961 +/- 10,599 microGray/h respectively (NS).Digital radiological equipment has a lower level of ionizing radiation emission than the analog equipment.

Background: Exposure to ionizing radiation is a known hazard of radiological procedures. Aim: To compare the emission of secondary ionizing radiation from two coronary angiographic equipments, one with digital and the other with analog image generation. To evaluate the effectiveness of external radiological protection devices. Material and methods: Environmental and fluoroscopy generated radiation in the cephalic region of the patient was measured during diagnostic coronary angiographies. Ionizing radiation generated in anterior left oblique projection (ALO) and in anterior right oblique projection (ARO) were measured with and without leaded protections. In 19 patients (group 1), a digital equipment was used and in 21 (group 2), an analog equipment. Results: Header radiation for groups 1 and 2 was 1194 ± 337 and 364 ± 222 µGray/h respectively (p

A comparison in the calibration of mass standards at nominal values 100 mg, 20 g and 1 kg was carried out between CESMEC (Chile), IBMETRO (Bolivia) and INTN (Paraguay) in the period 2007 to 2008. Results were interpreted in terms of equivalence and a good level of agreement between the participants was demonstrated. Main text. To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/. The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by SIM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA).

El agua, su calidad, disposición y cantidad desde hace ya algún tiempo, ha sido una de las principales preocupaciones de la comunidad y de nuestros gobernantes. Tal situación invita a reflexionar y a diseñar estrategias de manejo y preservación, lo cual garantice, el abastecimiento, la sostenibilidad y la calidad hídrica en vías de la eficiencia económica y ambiental; enfocándola a la mejora tanto en la calidad de vida del hombre presente y sus descendientes (DERIVALLE 2000)., 1. Planteamiento del Problema., 2. Justificación., 3. Objetivo General., Pregrado, Biólogo