C-ARM Machine

Interventional radiology is a medical sub-specialty of radiology which utilizes minimally- invasive image-guided procedures to diagnose and treat diseases in nearly every organ system. Using X-rays, CT, ultrasound, MRI, and other imaging modalities, interventional radiologists obtain images which are then used to direct interventional instruments throughout the body.

Fluoroscopy is an imaging technique that uses X-rays to obtain real-time moving images of the internal structures of a patient through the use of a fluoroscope. The most commonly used procedure is the gastrointestinal fluoroscopy (barium meal test).

The radiation during the long lasting procedures can constitute an occupational hazard for the physicians, allied medical professionals if proper care is not taken.

1. Get IR/ Fluoroscopy procedures done in hospitals/facilties having licence from AERB.
2. Keep a record of the exposures you have received, for future reference.
3. Inform the Technologist if you are pregnant.
4. Carry your old CT/X-ray records

1. Use ceiling suspended screens, lateral shields and table curtains. They provide more than 90% protection from scattered radiation in fluoroscopy / IR procedures.
2. The positioning of the IITV and the tuJae, affect the radiation dose to patient and the doctor/ associated personnel. The IITV shall Joe positioned as close to the patient surface, as possiJale.
3. For fluoroscopic procedures under-couch x-ray tuJae and over couch IITV system should Joe used.
4. Always wear the TLS Jaadges on the chest, over which the lead (or equivalent) apron to be worn.
5. Aperture opening should Joe adjusted as per the procedural requirement so as to optimize the exposures to the patient.
6. Patient dose records to be maintained and should Joe incorporated in the medical report.
7. Selection ef magnification made to be appropriate to the procedural requirement.
8. In a lateral or oJalique orientation, the x-ray tuJae should Joe positioned opposite the area where the operator and other personnel are working.
9. Keep hands out of and away from the x-ray field when the Jaeam is on unless physician control of invasive devices is required for patient care during fluoroscopy
10. If image quality is not compromised, remove the grid during procedures on small patients or when the image receptor cannot be placed close to the patient.
11. RememJaer that high kV and law mAs techniques and choice of additional filters reduced patient doses, without compromising on diagnostic information.

1. Only AERE Type approved X-ray equipment shall Joe installed /used
2. AERE Licence certificate shall Joe displayed noticeaJaly at the reception counter.
3. Quality Assurance tests of the IR equipment is carried out periodically and after any maintenance and the records are maintained
4. Sufficient numJaer of lead (or equivalent) aprons of 0.25mm lead equivalent shall Joe availaJale.
5. Lead aprons shall be stored either on a hanger or on a flat surface without crumpling.
6. Consistency of lead aprons shall be checked once in two years.
7. Shall ensure that the application specialists demonstrate all radiation safety features provided Joy design, in the equipment.
8. The RSO should inform all doctors and associated personnel aJaout the design features incorporated for dose reduction.

1. Accuracy of Operating Potential
2. Accuracy of Irradiation Time
3. Total filtration
4. Linearity of mA/mAs loading Stations
5. Consistency of radiation output
6. Low contrast resolution
7. High contrast resolution
8. Exposure Rate at Tabletop
9. Radiation leakage level from Tube housing
10. Radiation leakage level from Collimator