The Actual Role of Iterative Reconstruction Algorithm Methods in Several Saudi Hospitals As A Tool For Radiation Dose Minimization of Ct Scan Examinations.

Background: Iterative reconstruction algorithm (IR) techniques were developed to maintain a lower radiation dose for patients as much as possible while achieving the required image quality and medical benefits. The main purpose of the current research was to assess the level and usage extent of IR techniques in computed tomographic (CT) scan exams. Also, the obligation of practitioners in several hospitals in Saudi Arabia to implement IR in CT exams was assessed. Material and Methodology: The recent research was based on two studies: data collection and a survey study. Data on the CT scan examinations were retrospectively collected from CT scanners. The survey was conducted using a questionnaire to evaluate radiographers' and radiologists' perceptions about IR and their practices with IR techniques. The statistical analysis results were performed to measure the usage strength level of IR methods. Results and Discussions: The IR strength level of 50% was selected for nearly 80% of different CT examinations and patients of different ages and weights. About 46% of the participants had not learned about IR methods during their college studies, and 54% had not received formal training in applying IR techniques. Only 32% of the participants had adequate experience with IR. Half of the participants were not involved in the updating process of the CT protocol. Conclusion: The results indicate that the majority of radiographer and radiologist at four different hospitals in Saudi Arabia have no explicit or understandable knowledge of selecting IR strength levels during the CT examination of patients. There is a need for more training in IR applications for both radiologists and radiographers. Training sessions were suggested to support radiographers and radiologists to efficiently utilize IR techniques to optimize image quality. Further studies are required to adjust CT exam protocols effectively to utilize the IR technique.

Dental Undergraduates and Interns' Awareness, Attitudes, and Perception of Radiological Protection.

Medical ionizing radiation is widely used in hospitals, in particular dental clinics, and in medical research to facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of patients. The awareness, attitude, and perception of ionizing radiation exposure among dental undergraduate students and interns in radiological investigations and dental care clinics were investigated. A cross-sectional study was conducted; 17 questions were designed online using the software "QuestionPro," which was licensed to the University of Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal. Participants included senior medical dental students from Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University in their third to fifth years, as well as interns from King Fahad University Hospital and private dental care clinics. A total of 855 participants viewed, 360 started the questionnaire, and 258 (72%) completed it online. Overall, knowledge was lacking; 32% of respondents incorrectly believed that magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound used ionizing radiation, while 38% were unsure. Dental X-rays were deemed harmful by 40% (n = 104) of respondents. According to 33% (n = 85) of participants, there is no radiation scatter during an X-ray or CT scan, while 30% (n = 76) are unsure. Respondents (44%; n = 104) were unaware of the radiation dose from a chest radiograph and (45%; n = 116) overestimated the radiation dose. The effects of ionizing radiation on healthy tissue are known to more than half of the participants (54%). According to 39% of respondents, digital radiography exposes them to less radiation than traditional radiography. In terms of radiation protection and hazard, 46% said personal monitoring badges should be always worn and 58% (n = 150) said lead aprons should be used on a regular basis. 63% of the subjects had received radiation protection education, such as formal lectures, tutorials, or workshops, while 37% (n = 95) had not. 53% of the respondents were not aware of the international recommendations from the International Commission on Radiological Protection. When asked if they would follow radiation protection protocols if they opened a private dental clinical practice in the future, 50% (n = 129) said they would.

Evaluation of Pediatric Imaging Modalities Practices of Radiologists and Technologists: A Survey-Based Study.

Introduction: Radiation protection for pediatric patients is the main concern in pediatric computed tomography (CT) due to their sensitive organs, such as the brain and the thyroid glands. Accordingly, an optimization of pediatric CT practices is vital to minimize the radiation dose for this population. Aim: To assess the pediatric CT practices of radiologists and technologists in a CT unit. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted among 26 hospitals, located in various regions in Saudi Arabia. A total of 200 hard copies of the questionnaire were distributed manually and were collected for analysis. In total, 117 completed surveys were gathered from technologies, while 49 were gathered from radiologists. Results: In the case of infants with hydrocephalus, 65% of the radiologists ordered an ultrasound (US), 24% ordered a head CT scan, and 10% ordered a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and general X-ray for diagnosis. For pediatric patients complaining of persistent headache, 59% and 27% of the radiologists recommended CT and MRI, respectively, for diagnosis. Conclusion: Most of the radiologists utilize CT head scan to diagnose persistent headache (by 59%) and ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) malfunction (by 41%) in pediatric patients compared with the other modalities. The use of CT can increase the risk of later malignancy among pediatric patients due to radiation exposure. Alternative imaging modalities such as US and MRI (non-ionized radiation) should be considered to reduce the ionizing radiation hazards and optimize the current practices of radiologists. Most of the technologists follow radiation protection protocols in this study as 63% of the technologists used lead apron for pediatric patient's protection. Radiation awareness training for the technologists could improve the knowledge about the benefits of using lead apron and reduce the radiation risks in pediatric patients.

Assessment of radiation dose from radon ingestion and inhalation in commercially bottled drinking water and its annual effective dose in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia.

The isotopes of radium, uranium, polonium, lead, and short-lived radon are the common radionuclides found in drinking water. The abnormal amount of radon in drinking water causes health risks. In this study, an attempt has been made to estimate the level of radon concentrations and its annual effective dose from bottled water brands and tap drinking water. A total of 77 samples of drinking water sources; 47 bottled water brands and 27 tap water samples including 3 samples from water storage tank supplier were collected and examined. The measurements were performed using active detection method technique called Durridge RAD7-H2O with closed loop. The minimum and maximum level of average radon concentrations was 0.10 ± 0.02 BqL-1 and 9.2 ± 0.02 BqL-1. The results were below the limit recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (11 BqL-1). The annual effective dose for children and adults was in the range from almost 0.51 µSvy-1 to 46.69 µSvy-1. There are no indications of significant threat from radon concentrations in bottled water brands or tap drinking water, and it is safe as far as health hazard is concerned.

Awareness of ionizing radiation exposure among junior doctors and senior medical students in radiological investigations.

The awareness and knowledge of ionizing radiation exposure in radiological investigations among junior doctors and medical students were studied. The participants were year four to year six senior medical students enrolled at University of Dammam and interns in King Fahad University Hospital. The survey consisted of 22 questions designed online using the software 'QuestionPro' licensed to the University of Dammam. 100 hard copies were also distributed manually and collected. A total of 221 (88.5%) questionnaires were completed. 213 participants viewed, 151 started and 128 (84.7%) completed online. 93% of the distributed samples were completed. Overall knowledge was poor; 44% and 19% of the respondents thought incorrectly that MRI and ultrasound emit ionizing radiation, respectively. Respondents (92%; n = 203) underestimated the dose of abdominal spiral computed tomography (CT) and 4% thought no ionizing radiation involved in CT. 59% of respondents underestimated the radiation doses in nuclear medicine; bone scan 87%, PET/CT scan 67%, thyroid isotope scan 45% and PET scan 36%. 47% of the subjects had attended formal lectures, tutorials or workshops on radiation protection while 53% (n = 119) had not. For future education the majority stated they would prefer tutorials or workshops (42.3%) or problem-based learning/case studies (32.4%), while web-based modules would be their last choice (8.1%).