RE: Fluoroscopy exposures

["RAD CAPT JERRY A. THOMAS" <THOMAS@usuhsb.usuhs.mil>]

Melodie,

	FDA published a report "Avoidance of Serious X-ray Induced Skin Injuriesto Patients During fluoroscopically-guided procedures" in Sep 94.  It contains
doses for many procedures that involve extended fluoroscopic exposure time.
Many of these procdures have resulted in serious injury to patients.

	The results are rather scary...but are of importance since we need to
make our clinicians aware of the increased risk/s from the new procedures.
When used properly and conservatively fluoroscopy is safe and beneficial.
In excess...that is another question!

	You might provide maximum table top dose rates for typical x-ray
units (C-arm, overhead and under table fluoro) with an explination that 
the output is automatically adjusted for the body part thickness being viewed.
Additionally, most state-of-the-art units have a freeze and hold feature so
that the last exposure is frozen for display.

Let me know if I can be of futher help.

JERRY THOMAS
thomas@usuhsb.usuhs.mil