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Biomedical subjects

D E Starchman

Publications and source records attributed to D E Starchman.

17 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

Anomalous dose assessment associated with film badge storage in a controlled area.

Higher than expected film badge readings were obtained for radiologic technologists operating computed tomography scanners. The cause of the erroneous dose assignments was determined to be improper storage of the film packet in the console area. Since the filter holder was absent during exposure, the overestimation of photon energy resulted in an incorrect conversion from optical density to dose. Film badges and particularly the film packet should not be stored in controlled areas where the radiation levels are expected to be above background.

Film Dosimetry↗
PubMed1998

Unusual artifact with mammography film.

The authors identified the origin of a high-density artifact with mammography film. An acrylic ramp phantom (thickness, 0-7 cm) was used to create a continuously variable radiation exposure. A perturbation in the curve of optical density versus position along the ramp was observed. Development of the film with the emulsion side down eliminated this artifact.

Artifacts↗
PubMed1993

A practical guide for protecting personnel, pregnant personnel, and patients during diagnostic radiography and fluoroscopy.

The following article presents a comprehensive overview of the practical aspects of radiation protection for diagnostic radiology. The topics discussed include background radiation levels, typical exposure levels for radiologic technologists, risk estimates, the relationship between dose and effect, dose limits, personnel monitoring, protective devices, gonadal shielding, and the immobilization of patients. Special attention has been given to the concerns of pregnant personnel and pregnant patients.

Female↗
PubMed1986

Managing the pregnant radiation worker: a realistic policy for hospitals today.

Effective, fair management of pregnant employees exposed to radiation requires the balancing of three factions: the rights of the expectant mother to pursue her career without discrimination based on sex; the protection of the the fetus, and the needs of the employer. Each hospital should establish a realistic policy which addresses these three concerns, by clearly articulating the expectations of the employer and the options available to the employee. Successful implementation of the policy depends on the means by which this information is communicated to all female employees exposed to radiation, so that they have a fair opportunity to exercise their options within the hospital's general employment policies.

Female↗
PubMed1977

Linearity of exposure with indicated time and current for diagnostic radiography units.

Quality control in diagnostic radiography begins with production of predictable exposures. The authors describe a technique which permits determination of the variation of mR/mAs for the entire diagnostic range of times and currents in only about 1 hour. The mR/mAs in newly installed units has been shown to vary by as much as +/- 50% compared to institutional acceptance levels of +/- 10%. Records of annual surveys and acceptance tests from 31 medical facilities, including 293 radiographic and fluoroscopic units, are reviewed, and effects of small variations in mAs on radiographic quality are shown.

Humans↗
PubMed1975

Postirradiation atrophic changes of bone and related complications.

The sequence of radiographically visible changes about the shoulder girdle following irradiation was analyzed in 49 patients who received 200 kV irradiation, in 50 who received 25 MeV betatron photon irradiation, and in 20 who received cobalt-60 irradiation. The changes were dose related and were most evident in the kilovoltage group, but also occurred following megavoltage therapy. Atrophic changes may be complicated by fracture, true necrosis, true osteitis or sarcoma. These atrophic changes have clinical significance similar to the atrophic changes that occur in skin and mucous membranes. The terms radionecrosis and radiation osteitis as applied to these changes should be abandoned since they imply a more serious process than is actually present. Biopsy should be avoided if possible since trauma and secondary infection could lead to true necrosis.

Atrophy↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Model for the calculation of output for elongated fields at nonstandard distances for a 25-MV betatron and for radiocobalt teletherapy units.

Output-area factors are usually provided only for square fields at one standard distance. To calculate dose for mantle, extended field, total nodal, subtotal body, and total body irradiation, output-area factors are required for a continuous range of shapes and distances. Dose rate measurements have been made for different elongation ratios at various distances with an Allis-Chalmers 25-MV betatron, an AECL Theratron-80 60Co unit, a Picker C-9 60Co unit, and a Picker C-10000 60Co unit. A model is presented that permits the extension of dose rates and area factors for square fields at one distance to elongated fields at any distance. An illustrative calculation for one of the units is given.

Cobalt Radioisotopes↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Over-response of tissue-equivalent ionization chambers at low energies: effect of high-Z surface contamination.

Inner wall surface contamination of an ionization chamber by high-Z materials can produce an over-response to low-energy photons which is greatly underestimated by the percentage composition of the contaminant in the entire chamber. Experience with a chamber contaminated in such a manner is presented. Examples are included which illustrate the magnitude of possible clinical effects from low-energy units which have been calibrated with a chamber contaminated with a thin layer of relatively high-Z material.

Calibration↗