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Biomedical subjects

M A Staniszewska

Publications and source records attributed to M A Staniszewska.

15 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

Evaluation of patient exposure in computerised tomogram in Poland.

The increasing number of computerised tomography (CT) procedures performed in Poland in recent years has resulted in a growing contribution of these examinations to the whole exposure of the population to ionising radiation from medical sources. (The number of CT examinations in Poland was 170,000 in 1995 and 460,000 in 1999.) An evaluation is presented of doses to patients in CT examinations performed with different types of CT unit. To evaluate the exposure to patients dose linear product (DLP) was measured using a NOMEX dosemeter with a pencil chamber (PTW, Frieburg) and the cylindrical PMMA phantoms 'head' and 'body'. CTDI values were evaluated according to current methodology as described in European Guidelines (EUR 16262). The measurements were performed for seven types of CT unit made by different companies. The CTDI values were also compared to reference levels recommended by IAEA. In conclusion it was found that the value of collective effective dose (2200 man.Sv), has increased in Poland nearly 4 times in comparison to 1995, whereas the number of CT examinations increased nearly 3 times in this period. For most of the 'controlled' CT scanners the values of CTDI in head procedures are near to or higher than the IAEA Reference Level (50 mGy); this can result from the protocols, which are chosen without a dose analysis.

Humans↗
PubMed2001

[Radioisotopic diagnostic examination as a factor responsible for the Polish population exposure to ionizing radiation].

For the general population, in vivo radioisotopic radiological examinations are the second, after x-ray diagnostics, artificial source of ionizing radiation used for medical purposes. The 1981 survey was the first review of the radioisotopic examinations in Poland and revealed that 80,000 examinations are performed annually (2 examinations per 1,000 population on average). It was also found that 131 I was the most common isotope used during thyroid examinations very frequently performed at that time. According to the 1996 data published by the National Consultant on Nuclear Medicine, "In Poland there are 36 centers of nuclear medicine within the network of public health care services. Every year about 130,000 radioisotopic examinations are performed." In order to estimate real exposure of the Polish population resulting from radioisotopic diagnostic examinations it is necessary to gather detailed data on the age structure of patients, as well as on the type and activity of radiopharmaceutical be administered. The paper presents the preliminary results of the follow-up study on radioisotopic examinations in Poland carried out by the Department of Radiological Protection, Nofer Institute of Medicine, Łódź. The data have been collected according to the adopted schedule, taking account of the organ (system) examined, the type of administered radiopharmaceutical, the kind and activity of radioactive isotopes used to mark radiopharmaceutics, age and sex of examined patient. By the end of December 2000 the data on radioisotopic examinations performed in 12 centers of nuclear medicine (Warsaw--7; Kielce--2; Gdańsk, Łódź and Zgierz--one center in each city) had been collected. Thus far almost 40,000 radioisotopic examinations have been registered. According to the above mentioned procedure it was possible to collect data on all examinations performed in 1998. In addition, general numbers of examinations performed in the centers visited in 1999 were registered; the 2000 data are now being completed. It was finally established that the thyroid and musculoskeletal examinations constitute about 50% of the total number of examinations, which is in agreement with the data applying to the countries classified as those with the first level of health care. However, while an average effective dose per examination in those countries accounts for about 4 mSv, in the Polish centers the analogues indicator, estimated on the basis of the results collected thus far, is about 9 mSv, of this number, over 7 mSv is contributed by thyroid examinations with the use of iodine (131I). The obtained result is a strong stimulus to supplement and complete the data already gathered and to carry out a thorough analysis of radioisotopic examination in view of patients' exposure. Such an analysis would provide the subject matter arguments for the optimization of radiological protection in nuclear medicine in Poland.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[Evaluation of patient exposure to X-ray in view of monitoring carried out in diagnostic laboratories of Lódź region].

X-ray diagnostics, mostly due to a large variety of examinations, and a wide range of its application, is the major source of exposure to ionising radiation in the population. That is why special measurements are being carried out to evaluate the air-kerma values received by patients during X-ray examinations performed most frequently (i.e. lumbo-sacral spine radiography, chest radiography, and thoracic spine radiography). The measurements were performed in 39 different departments (in the Lódź region). The doses received by patients were measured simultaneously using thermoluminescence dosimetry (TLD) and a CONY dosimeter (PTW, Frieburg). In all, 196 measurements were made. The results obtained were compared with the reference levels recommended by the International Agency of Atomic Energy. The study indicates that over 90% of doses received by patients during chest radiography exceeds the recommended level. Of the 39 X-ray departments under control, in 31 the reference levels were exceeded for at least two radiological examinations, which means that in only 20% of departments the radiological equipment and work methodology ensure the acceptable levels of patients' exposure, while the other departments need interventions to explain the reasons why patients receive too high radiation doses, and to eliminate harmful over-exposure.

Catchment Area, Health↗
PubMed2000

[Personnel exposure during interventional radiologic procedures].

Intervention radiology, known also as intravascular surgery, is a new medical specialisation that develops very rapidly. Radiological procedures performed under fluoroscopy include: dilatation of stenosed vessels, recanalization or vascular embolization and angioanastomosis. Although these procedures have been initiated by radiologists, the majority of them are performed now by physicians who are specialised in medical disciplines other than radiology (cardiologists, vascular surgeons, gastroenterologists, etc.). All these specialists are always aware of the fact that during radiological procedures, both the personnel and the patients are at risk of ionizing radiation. For that reason monitoring of the exposure in this occupational group is of particular importance. Bearing in mind that members of surgical teams are often in direct contact with x-ray tube, it is assumed that routine individual dosimetry of staff occupationally exposed to x-rays do not provide adequate assessment of the exposure risk. This paper describes measurements carried out among operating surgeons who perform the following procedures: cardiological interventions (percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) and bypass with preceding coronarography); neuroradiology (aneurysm embolization); and intravascular surgery within abdominal cavity (TIPS, nephrostomy). Dosimetric assessment was carried out in operating surgeons who are exposed mostly among the members of surgical teams as they have to be in direct contact with radiation sources. A comprehensive assessment of exposure included the following measurements: equivalent dose for the hands (measured by a specially designed finger dosimeter); equivalent dose for the trunk protected by a lead apron (a dosimeter placed under apron); and equivalent dose for the neck (a dosimeter placed on the upper, external edge of apron). In addition, a dose product and the surface of primary beam were measured (Diamentor dosimeter, PTW, Frieburg) which allowed to define the correlation between the entrance air kerma, measured with thermoluminscence dosimeters, and the amount of primary radiation emitted during the monitored procedure. In all, the surgical teams were monitored during 42 intervention procedures. The results of the study revealed that an operating surgeon is most exposed. The values of an annual effective dose and an annual equivalent dose for the hands and eyes, estimated for individual procedures, were as follows: (a) cardiological angioplastic procedures: effective dose--25 mSv, equivalent dose for the hands--438 mSv, equivalent dose for the eyes--265 mSv; (b) intravascular angioplastic procedures within the abdominal cavity and neuroradiological procedures: effective dose--4 mSv, equivalent dose for the hands--360 mSv, equivalent dose for the eyes--41 mSv. It should be stressed that the aforesaid maximum doses do not exceed relevant standard annual limits binding in Poland.

Air Pollution, Radioactive↗
PubMed1999

[Quality assessment of radiological diagnostic examinations from the perspective of radiological protection].

The paper presents current recommendations on radiological protection concerning medical exposure, especially during X-ray diagnostic examinations. Major factors responsible for the level of radiological risk for patients undergoing X-ray examinations are also discussed. (In Poland about 28 million X-ray examinations are performed annually.) A thorough evaluation of 18 X-ray units used in diagnostic laboratories in the Lódź district is presented. It was found that only 6 of 18 X-ray units controlled, satisfy best the evaluation criteria laid down according to the recommendations of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The significance of satisfying individual criteria for the achievement of high quality radiological examinations was highlighted.

Health Services↗
PubMed1999

An update of the frequency and type of diagnostic x-ray examinations in Poland.

This paper presents the results of a survey concerning x-ray diagnostic examinations in Poland, as the main source of radiation risk to the general population. The methods of data collection and processing were similar to that used for the previous national survey (1986). In 1995, 27,600,000 diagnostic x-ray examinations were performed in Poland (6,200,000 more than in 1986). The number of examinations per 1,000 inhabitants increased from 572 to 715 during those nine years. The age and gender structure of examined patients is discussed extensively, the numbers for 1986 and 1995 are compared. Special attention is paid to the proportion of children and adolescents in the total number of patients examined. The obtained results are also compared with the numerical data concerning other countries.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Evaluation of doses to patients in X-ray diagnostics in Poland.

The study includes a detailed analysis of patients' exposure to ionising radiation resulting from diagnostic radiology in Poland. Data concerning the number and types of examinations were collected by wide-range questionnaire surveys conducted in 1986 and 1995. As the result, the number of examinations per 1000 inhabitants was found to be 572 in 1986 and 715 in 1995. Most of the examinations were the basic, conventional ones (mostly chest and spine radiography). A great part of this study includes detailed description of the methodology of evaluating doses received by patients from X-ray procedures. The theoretical Monte Carlo simulation with the original author's computer code was used for this purpose. As the result, the doses to patients in six age groups (< 1, 1-4, 5-9, 10-14, 15-19 and the adults) were estimated. In simulation process the examined persons were represented by the appropriate mathematical human phantoms. The doses from particular examinations performed in exposure conditions routinely used in Polish radiology departments are presented. The mean effective doses for adult patients from typical examinations are: 0.11 mSv from chest, 3.0 mSv from thoracic spine, and 4.3 mSv from L-S spine radiography. Significantly higher doses were received by patients undergoing fluoroscopy procedures: 23 mSv from barium enema and 14 mSv from the stomach examination. In conclusion, the estimated exposure levels in Poland are as follows: the average effective dose per examination: (1.4 +/- 0.6) mSv in 1986, (1.2 +/- 0.5) mSv in 1995, the average effective dose per capita: (0.8 +/- 0.3) mSv in 1986 and 1995.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

[Sources of x-rays in school].

Exposure of teachers of physics to x-radiation emitted by instruments which are used for demonstrating rarefied gas discharges during physics lessons at secondary schools is discussed. The measurements performed provide an explicit evidence that an effective, anual exposure dose under the most unfavourable conditions does not exceed admissible levels according to Polish regulations pertaining to persons non-occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation.

Environmental Monitoring↗
PubMed1995

[Analysis of diagnostic X-Ray units in Poland in view of patients' exposure to ionizing radiation].

An analysis of diagnostic X-ray units in Poland is presented. The air-kerma on the X-ray table was measured for X-ray parameters used routinely during lumbo-sacral spine radiography in a standard patient. The measurements were performed using TLD made of lithium-fluoride. The dose received by patients in different X-ray departments is sometimes higher than two orders of magnitude from 0.14 mGy to 72.11 mGy for the same examination. The dose can be significantly reduced if the cassettes with amplyfying foils, made from rare earth components, are used.

Air Pollutants, Radioactive↗
PubMed1994

[Safer radiologic examinations].

The paper presents a short survey of reasons why high doses are used in diagnostic X-ray examinations and methods for their reduction. Special attention is paid to the use of cassettes with rare-earth intensifying screens. The results of dose measurements made for several combinations of cassette-film are also presented. Patients can receive the lowest doses if it would be possible to use DuPont cassettes with FOTON films.

Equipment Safety↗
PubMed1993

Diagnostic x-ray examinations in Poland in 1986--frequency and type.

This paper presents the results of a survey concerning x-ray diagnostic examinations in Poland as the main source of radiation risk to the general population. The methods of data acquisition and processing are described. In Poland, 21,400,000 patients (572 examinations per 1,000 inhabitants) are annually subjected to diagnostic x-ray examinations. The age and gender structure of examined patients is discussed extensively. Special attention is paid to the share of children and youth in the total number of examined patients. The obtained results are compared with the numerical data for other European countries.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

[Practical methods used in the system of controlling of x-ray apparatus].

An x-ray apparatus like any other device becomes worn out. In order to avoid x-ray examinations of patients performed using a worn out apparatus a periodical control of such appliances should be carried out. This work presents a methodology based on simple quality tests for a standard x-ray apparatus. These tests measure parameters of x-ray tubes and beams of radiation. A positive feature of these tests is that they replace very expensive specialistic measuring equipment.

Equipment Failure↗
PubMed1993

X-ray diagnostics in Poland--doses and risks.

This article refers to radiation risk resulting from X-ray diagnostics in the Polish population. Frequency of the examinations were reviewed on the basis of data from the national survey performed in 1986. The doses to patients at different age were evaluated taking into consideration the exposure parameters really used during particular examinations. The mean effective dose for a statistical patient in Poland was found to be 2.8 mSv. This denotes that all X-ray diagnostic examinations yield the mean effective dose of 1.6 mSv per capita, i.e. more than 60% of mean effective dose from natural background radiation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

Radiation risk to patients from nuclear medicine in Poland (1981).

This paper presents the method and results of an estimation of radiation risk to the patients subjected to in vivo diagnostic radio-isotopic procedures in Poland in 1981. The qualitative and quantitative structure of these examinations is also presented. The estimation of an expected number of the stochastic effects caused by the internal exposure to ionizing radiation from the administered radionuclides have been performed for the patients according to ICRP recommendations. The conclusion was that 33 fatal radiation induced cancers, caused mainly by thyroid procedures with 131I, may be expected in the future in the population of about 80,000 patients who were subjected to radioisotopic procedures in Poland in 1981.

Humans↗