Outline of Radiological Technology

Diagnostic RadiographyTherapeutic Radiography

V.G.Wimalaena

Principal School of Radiography

Radiological Technology

• Radiological technology is a branch of Healthcare

• It is the science (& art) that deals with diagnosis of diseases (by imaging) and treatment of some diseases using ionizing radiation

Diagnostic Imaging modalities (branches)1. Using ionizing radiation• Radiography – Producing images

using X-rays• Plain radiography –

• Static images (chest, skull, abdomen..)

• Contrast Radiography • Static images (e.g. IVU….)• Dynamic images (Fluoroscopy) – (e.g.

Barium studies, Coronary Angiography)

Diagnostic Imaging ….

• Mammography• Tomography (conventional)• Computerized Tomography (CT)• Computed Radiography (CR)• Digital Radiography (DR)• Digital Fluoroscopy • Digital Subraction Angiography• Nuclear Imaging (Radio-Isotope imaging)

• Bone scan, renal studies, thyroid scans..SPECT, PET

Diagnostic Imaging ….

2. Other modalities (that does not involve ionizing radiation)

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)• Ultra Sound scanning (US)

Therapeutic Radiography

• Treatment of Cancers using Ionizing radiation• Brachytherapy• Teletherapy

Brachytherapy• The radiation source is kept as close as

possible to the site of the tumour (usualy within the body)• To minimize the effect on the normal

structures• To maximize the effectiveness of the

treatment

• Using beta rays, gamma rays• Positron therapy

Teletherapy

• The radiation source is out side the body and at a distance from the tumour• Cobolt 60 sources• High energy x-rays• Linear accelerators

Who are we?

• Radiological technologists/Radiographers

• Are members of a team of health-care professionals who work in consort to maximize patient wellness

• Are Governed by a code of ethics and principles of professional conduct

Our Duties

General radiography

Plain radiography

IVU

Barium studies

Mammography

CT Scanning

CT images

Digital subtraction angiography (DSA)

Coronary Angiography

Nuclear Medicine

(Nuclear imaging) Bone scans

Nuclear medicine SPECT scanning

MRI Scanning

MRI images

Lithotripsy

Radiotherapy - Teletherapy

Masking

Planning & Simulation

Brachytherapy

Linear Accelerator

Advancement in the field• PET-CT – hybrid images of PET & CT to

locate the tumours for treatment• SPECT-CT

Specific Risks involved

• Mechanical injury• Electrical injury• Radiation injury

Radiation hazards• Somatic effects

• Cancer• Cataract• Leucaemia• ………

• Genetic effects• Fetal Deformities• Infertility• Abortion• Still births

Radiation protection• Patient• Public – dose limits• Staff -• Self –

• Occupatienal dose limit (IAEA)• Monitoring

• Devices• Procedure

Competencies Required

• Patient care• Anatomy & Physiology (Structure and

function of the body)• Pathology (Identifying diseases)• Equipment (Physics, operation &

maintenance• Imaging techniques• Radio-Therapy techniques• Radiation protection• Quality control

Patient care

• Both fields (diagnostic & Therapy) deal with different catogories of patients

• Should demonstrate knowledge & skills in• Patient psychology• Effective communication• Patient care techniques

Training• Two years (Full time)• School Started in 1957• Still the same duration• No post basic training / continuing

education avenues• No avenues for upgrading

professional level

Achievements

• Starting BSc. Radiogaphy course at University of Peradeniya in 2006

Challenges

• To overcome the Objections for the Degree programme by some elements of the health sector..

• To stop emplyment of unqualified personnel as radiographers in private sector

Deficiencies in present training & suggestions

• Facilities incompatible with the number of trainees.

• Inadiquate duration• No procedure for Recruitment of tutors• CT, MRI, NM are not included • Extention of training period – 3 years• Implementation of a Proper recruitment

procedure

Future plans to upgrade the radiological technology in Sri lanka• Implementation of in-service

training programme • Convert the school to university

college?• External degree/lateral entry to

Bsc cources ?• Service minute - implement /

ammendment?

Thank you!