BLOGS: Postings

Z Codes: Image Quality Initiative in Radiology

The importance of image quality is recognized at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta by radiology leadership. A high standard of image quality is required to assure the radiologist accurate reading of images. This assists the attending physician in making a diagnosis and safety treat the patient. The Children's quality team has developed a system called Z-coding where the radiologist will attach a letter code to their dictation. Some examples of the factors coded are positioning, collimation, shielding, rotation, motion, unacceptable and excellent. This Z-coding system enables us to maintain on-going education for technologists that may need assistance in those areas. In addition, we are able to monitor trends that would indicate areas for improvement. - Susan Freeman RT(R) Education Analyst Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Egelston

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Protecting Pediatric Patients During CT Scanning

As Team Leader for the CT Department at a large pediatric hospital, I know the importance of dose reduction and shielding when scanning patients. Children are not "little adults" and can not be treated as such. Because their cells regenerate at a much faster rate than adult cells, it's very important that we protect them as much as possible. The two best ways to protect pediatric patients in CT are shielding and dose reduction. We use two types of shielding. First, to shield an area outside of the scan field, we use lead shielding. Secondly, to further shield our patients, we use bismuth shields. Bismuth shields can be used within the scan field without obscuring the image. There are various bismuth shields; eye, thyroid and on female patients, breast shields to name a few. Bismuth shields on average reduce radiation by approximately 25 percent. Dose reduction is the other way...

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Hoisted on My Own Petard

By Mark D. Marotta Figures of speech, I have learned, often have some interesting history. For instance, somewhere along the line, someone taught me that the expression "living high on the hog" is rooted in agrarian life and refers to the location of the tastiest part of a pig. And how many times have we visited historical sites where we have been told that the phrase "sleep tight" comes from the fact that ropes used to support a person sleeping in old-fashioned beds periodically needed to be reset? So where does the term "hoisted on his/her own petard" come from? As it turns out, a petard was an explosive device used to break down gates or blow holes in fortress walls. Etymologically, the word "petard" comes to us from Middle French, and its original meaning wasn't particularly polite. I'll leave it up to you to decide whether you want to...

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Radiation Exposure in the News

Radiation exposure has become a hot topic in the news lately. Recent stories regarding high radiation exposure in CT have made patients and families very wary. The CT technologists at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta are using bismuth shields and regular protocol review to reduce dosing. We also realize that although CT is in the spotlight, routine X-rays can also be improved upon. By standardizing techniques within diagnostics, we are able to lower the dosing in this area as well.

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Volunteer Recalls Haitian Healthcare in 1995

This week I have been reminded about how blessed we are in the United States. In looking at the scenes of devastation in Haiti, the poorest nation in the southern hemisphere, I am thankful for the lifestyle afforded to me in the United States. In 1995, I was a volunteer healthcare worker in Cape Haitian, Haiti and witnessed first-hand the lack of medical care available to the people of that country. The clinical and hospital facilities were void of supplies and had basic equipment. At the local hospital, the autoclave (a system that sterilizes surgical instruments) was from the 1940s (wow!) and the X-ray system was a U.S. military system used in the Korean War. Now, in this time of great suffering I wonder how the medical infrastructure is going to be able to assist everyone in need. I worry for the friends I made when I was in Haiti...

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CT Basics

Are you looking to begin a career in Computed Tomography (CT). I am excited to tell you about a new series called "CT Basics" encompassing all the topics found in the ASRT's CT curriculum. Seven of the ten modules have been completed. Visit the Learning Center and select Computed Tomography in the Course Catalog.

CT Basics: Module 1 – Fundamentals

CT Basics: Module 2 – Equipment and Instrumentation

CT Basics: Module 3 – Data Acquisition

CT Basics: Module 4 – Image Processing and Reconstruction

CT Basics: Module 5 – Patient Safety

CT Basics: Module 6 – Image Quality

CT Basics: Module 7 – Procedures

Coming Soon!

CT Basics: Module 8 – Cross-sectional Anatomy If you are a first-time user of the Learning Center, you will need to click on the "Register" button, which is free and obtain a password.

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We Won't Get Fooled Again

By Kelly Olsen-Stanko

Last night I came across this image , which I thought was a picture. The library nerd in me was so excited, and I awed at the beauty of it.

Then I learned it wasn't a picture at all, but computer generated imagery (CGI) made completely from 3-D and architecture software. This image, conceived by Olivier Charles, Armel Neouze, and Jacques Gelez, won the Master Award for Interior Architecture in EXPOSÉ 7, a digital art book series. It depicts the creators' vision of the Stockholm Public Library.

So unfortunately for all of us, it doesn't exist. But this isn't the first time I've been duped by the Internet. A few months ago, I came across a product while looking to solve some space and laundry issues in my apartment. While I can't exactly recall (or find a picture) of the concept...

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Introduction to Cancer

Cancer is one of those words that send chills up your back. Everyone is affected by cancer in some way or another at some point in their life; whether if be you, a loved one or a friend. Cancer is an aggressive growth disorder initiated by a cell or a group of renegade cells with genetic aberrance, usually caused by either a carcinogen in the environment, or less commonly by an inherited genetic abnormality. The disease is complicated by local spread within the organ and surrounding tissues, displacing well meaning and well functioning tissue. Continued uncontrolled growth results in the invasion of blood vessels and lymphatics and spread to distant organs where metastatic disease repeats the pattern of continued advance of rebellious and aggressive parasitization of normal tissue. Evaluation and care of the oncology patient can be markedly complex, yet their integration and simplification is the key to success. You...

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Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Awarded "Putting Patients First" Grant

Patient safety and quality care continue to be important issues for hospitals and imaging centers. In mid-2009, the AHRA (The Association for Medical Imaging Management) announced the second year of its Putting Patients First grant program. Putting Patients First grants further efforts by health care facilities to improve imaging quality and safety for patients. In early 2009 the program was expanded to include imaging centers and will award three additional grants specifically for pediatric programs. Children's Healthcare of Atlanta submitted a grant to the Putting Patients First program back in October and was recently notified that we were awarded this grant to further improve radiation dose reduction in Pediatrics. We are very excited about this opportunity for our patients and staff and look forward to sharing our progress and knowledge with other pediatric imaging sites. Melinda C. Dobbs, Manager Radiology, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston

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National Radiology Week a Time to Give Thanks

The week of November 8th was National Radiology Week and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta celebrated the accomplishments of all imaging modalities within Radiology. In celebrating our accomplishments we focused on volumes and new equipment acquisitions but, most importantly, on the great service we give our patients and families. Our team of dedicated imaging professionals "talk the talk and walk the walk" when it comes to customer service. That is what sets us apart from adult facilities and that is what keeps patients and families coming back. In November, near Thanksgiving, I am thankful to have a dedicated team of imaging professionals who value patient and family education, teamwork, and compassion. Thanks to my team for all that they do! Melinda C. Dobbs, Manager Radiology, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston

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IV Infiltrations

Checking a patient's IV site before and during IV contrast administration is good practice. An IV extravasation is when contrast or medication leaks into the surrounding area causing tissue damage, blistering or necrosis of tissue. An IV infiltration is when solutions that do not cause tissue damage (like normal saline) leak into the tissue and cause swelling. Both situations can lead to nerve damage and cause pain to the patient. This scenario also disrupts valuable scanning time. Always try to visualize the site and ask the patient what they are feeling in that area.

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A Celebration of National Radiologic Technology Week

Each year radiologic technologists around the U.S. celebrate National Radiologic Technology Week. This event recognizes the discovery of x-ray on November 8, 1895 and the dedicated Radiologic Technologists that practice in the field of radiology, using this important diagnostic and therapeutic technology on a daily basis to care for our patients. This week is all about increasing awareness and recognizing the RT's dedication, knowledge and skill. In celebration of National Radiologic Technology Week, Philips Learning Center is giving away 2.5 Category A CE credits from November 1 – 30, 2009. * Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology Refresher - Abdomen (2.5 CE)
* Shock: Signs, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention (1 CE) Log onto the Learning Center and look for the alert box on the right for instructions on how to use the discount codes.

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A Molybdenum Update

An Update Yes, the news of late has been dominated by topics such as healthcare reform, but that isn't to say that there isn't anything else to talk about. In fact, on Oct. 23, the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee passed H.R. 3276, the American Medical Isotopes Production Act of 2009, which would help fund the domestic production of molybdenum-99 (Mo-99). The bill is supposed to be moving to the full House for a vote that could take place within a matter of days. Mo-99 is the precursor for technetium-99m, a radioisotope used in 80 percent of diagnostic and nuclear medicine procedures. Earlier this year, there was an unexpected shutdown at a Canadian nuclear reactor which provides 50 percent of the Mo-99 supply in the U.S., and it is not expected to open until late this year. It is one of about that is one of about a half-dozen...

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Fracture Program

According to the journal Injury, 51 percent of all upper limb and 21 percent of all lower limb Emergency Department admissions in the United States are due to some type of fracture. Children's Healthcare of Atlanta recently launched the Fracture Care Program, which offers a comprehensive approach to fracture care for all types of pediatric and adolescent fractures. The Fracture Care Program is located within Children's Immediate Care Centers and the Children's at Egleston and Children's at Scottish Rite Emergency Departments, making the diagnosis and treatment of fractures, sprains and strains in children and teens more convenient for families. "This program offers coordinated care--from the initial evaluation in the emergency room or urgent care center to final follow-up and return to activities--for pediatric and adolescent patients with fractures," said Michael Schmitz, M.D., Chief of Orthopaedics at Children's. "The goal is to have the patient receive the right care, in the...

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Name Change-Need Ideas!

My company began it's 10th year of staffing this past July. The focus has always been Radiology, Cardiology and Oncology. However, this year, due to doors opened, relationships formed, and the turn in economy,I have decided to branch out! XRAYZ 4U, started in 2000, on the premise that it would support local temp needs in the Washington DC area. That only lasted about a day! It's been nationwide since the beginning, handling direct hire placements as well, and delving into Cardiology and Oncology right off the bat. It is time for a name change, and I'm hoping to tap into the talent of RT's and the like out there, to comment back with their ideas for me! WE have to work together, to keep our industry and the economy as strong as possible. Thanks to all professionals out there who deliver excellent patient care and compassion.

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