Radiation Protection Key Terms chapters 1,2,4, & 5

As low as reasonably achievable (ALARA)
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Terms in this set (75)
As low as reasonably achievable (ALARA)
Synonymous with the term optimization for radiation protection (ORP). The intent is to keep radiation exposure and consequent dose to the lowest possible level.
Background equivalent radiation time (BERT)
A comparison of the amount of radiation received for an x-ray exam with natural background radiation received over a specific period of time.
Ionizing radiation
When x-rays pass through matter, ionizing radiation produces positively and negatively charged particles.
Radiation protection
Effective measures employed by radiation workers to safeguard patients, personnel, and the general public from unnecessary exposure to ionizing radiation.
Biologic effects
Damage to living tissues of animals and humans exposed to radiation.
Diagnostic efficacy
The degree to which the diagnostic study accurately reveals the presence or absence of disease in the patient.
Occupational and nonoccupational doses
The maximum allowable level that is the upper boundary doses of ionizing radiation for which there is a negligible risk of bodily injury or genetic damage.
Optimization for radiation protection (ORP)
Synonymous with ALARA. To keep radiation exposure and consequent dose to the lowest possible level.
Tools for Radiation Awareness and Community Education (TRACE Program)
A two phase program, which formulates new policies and procedures to promote radiation safety and implementation of patient and community education. A program designed to accommodate technologic enhancements.
Risk
In reference to radiation science it is the possibility of inducing radiogenic cancer or a genetic defect after irradiation.