Quality control training helps reduce radiation exposure

Perhaps U.S. hospital executives could learn something from Iran in terms of training staff in their hospital radiology departments. Ten high-volume hospitals in the Middle Eastern nation lowered patient radiation exposure by as much as 62 percent for some tests, according to a study presented earlier this month at a conference in Vancouver, reports AuntMinnie

The study examined the after effects of Iran's adoption of the European Guidelines on Quality Criteria for Diagnostic Radiographic Images (EUR 16260), which required radiographers to undergo more thorough training on use and maintenance of imaging tools. Specifically, the study looked at the use of filters to reduce entrance surface air kerma (ESAK). 

For 12 X-ray applications, ESAK levels lowered by 22 percent on average, according to AuntMinnie. ESAK reduction for posteroanterior chest procedures fell by 62 percent. 

Overall, the study examined seven private hospitals and three medical clinics. 

For more:
- read this AuntMinnie's article (reg. required)