Studying the radiation absorption and scattering of gamma rays by using different absorbers

Attitudes toward the Integration of Radiographers into the First-Line Interpretation of Imaging Using the Red Dot System

The red dot system uses expertise in the identification of anomalies to assist radiologists in distinguishing radiological abnormalities and managing them before the radiologist report is sent. This is a small step on the road to greater role development for radiographers. This practice has existed for more than 20 years in the UK. Today, it is only the UK seeking to legislate radiographer reports. The aim of this paper is to put focus on this issue, determine whether radiographer reports are necessary, and explore whether there are any benefits that can be highlighted to encourage health authorities worldwide to allow radiographers to write clinical reports. Additionally, this study was conducted to evaluate the role of radiographers (non-radiologists) in medical image interpretation, using 95 samples that were collected randomly and a representative sample of radiographers and radiologists of both genders. The SPSS program was used for the statistical analysis of the samples and to scientifically explain the results. We found that radiologists have no objections to the participation of radiographers in diagnosis assistance, interpretation, and clinical reporting through the red dot system. Therefore, there was support for the future implementation of such a system in health care.

Assessment of Diagnostic Imaging Sector in Public Hospitals in Northern Jordan

The most effective diagnostic methods in the medical field are diagnostic imaging techniques such as radiography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nuclear medicine, which are used to visualize internal body to diagnose it, determine potential treatment, and evaluate and forecast care results. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to assess the diagnostic imaging sector, at three major public hospitals in the northern part of Jordan, according to regional and global requirements. The assessment approach was based on knowledge of the accessibility of diagnostic imaging equipment and its quality assurance and performance, the quantity and efficiency of radiological technologists, and the design of radiology units and medical imaging chambers in many aspects based on the use of two tools, a questionnaire and checklists, to accomplish a comprehensive evaluation. The response rate of radiological technologists was 66%. The assessment reveals a noticeable increase in the number of radiological technologists in general with high academic qualification level. Additionally, the number of diagnostic imaging equipment in Jordan revealed a large deficiency in the population–device balance, and through checklists that evaluated both CT and MRI units, it was revealed that the rate of following global requirements and occupational health and safety (OHS) standards was high. The basic supplies available in both the CT and MRI units alike were high, which indicates the high quality of healthcare provided in Jordan.

An Alternative Radiation Shielding Material Based on Barium-Sulphate (BaSO4)-Modified Fly Ash Geopolymers

Geopolymers are a new environmentally friendly cementitious material, and the application of geopolymers can reduce the carbon dioxide emissions caused by the development of the cement industry. Purpose: This study investigates the radiation shielding capacity of fly ash geopolymers (FAGP) as a viable alternative to conventionally used ordinary Portland cement (OPC) due to the high demand for an environmentally friendly, cost-effective and non-toxic shield material. Methods: The FAGP material was fabricated and combined with Barium sulphate (BaSO₄) at different ratios (0, 5, 10 and 15%). Different thicknesses (3, 6 and 9 cm) of the samples were also prepared. An energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) was used to determine the elemental percentages of the materials, which were then used to calculate their effective atomic number (Z_eff). An ion chamber was used to detect the dose of radiation transmitted through the samples. Results: The lowest radiation dosage (34.68 µGy) and highest Z_eff were achieved with FAGP combined with 15% BaSO₄ at 9 cm thickness. The decrease in radiation dosage can be attributed to the increase in Z_eff with the addition of BaSO₄ to FAGP, which in turn increases the density of FAGP. Conclusions: Thus, the radiation dose can be significantly reduced with a higher ratio of BaSO₄ to FAGP. This study shows that FAGP combined with BaSO₄ is a promising radiation shielding material, as well as a viable alternative to OPC.