Image Wisely launches third radiation safety case

Image Wisely recently launched its third Image Wisely Radiation Safety Case — CT Brain Perfusion Dose Optimization. This is the latest in a series of free, online and mobile-compatible educational offerings, developed with the assistance of the American College of Radiology, that allow radiologists, imaging technologists and medical physicists to assess their understanding of important radiation safety concepts - including dose monitoring and optimization.

"Several years ago, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration investigated a series of unexpected high exposures associated with CT brain perfusion procedures that resulted in skin injuries and hair loss," said Lifeng Yu, PhD, primary author of the new radiation safety case. "In an appropriate clinical setting where CT perfusion exams are justified and scanning techniques are correctly used, it is unlikely that the radiation dose would reach the threshold level for skin burns to occur. This case presents strategies to optimize radiation dose in CT brain perfusion exams."

Six radiation safety cases are presented throughout the year. Case content includes embedded questions that provide expert feedback as well as references and resources for further study. Continuing education credit for radiologists, imaging technologists and medical physicists is available.

"Radiation is an invaluable diagnostic resource, and attention to its appropriate use is paramount to patient safety," said Donald Peck, PhD, director of the Image Wisely Radiation Safety Case series and member of the Image Wisely Executive Committee. "Imaging professionals are encouraged to complete these free radiation safety cases to reinforce their knowledge on these important topics."

The third case, CT Brain Perfusion Dose Optimization, offers a total of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™; .5 MPCEC credit by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs, Inc.; and 0.5 Category A credit hours of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.