Dose management in the OR | Philips Healthcare

Effective x-ray dose
management in the OR

Today’s complex minimally invasive procedures demand intelligent radiation dose management. When your focus is the patient, the X-ray system should not be a concern. Practical solutions that do not compromise image quality must be in place. Careful preparation makes this happen.

Imaging system

Built-in dose management capabilities can deliver exceptional image quality and x-ray dose efficiency. Our intuitive design enables you to apply these X-ray dose management techniques simply and efficiently without taking your attention from the patient.

Beam filtration

This constant beam filtration filters out ‘soft’ or non-diagnostic X-rays and is standard on Philips mobile and fixed imaging systems. No action is required from the surgeon or staff to manage X-ray dose efficiency.

Dose settings

Philips systems offer dedicated imaging modes allowing you to select the best-suited imaging parameters. Each mode is designed to achieve the best image quality for the selected procedure – while maintaining effective dose efficiency.

Removable grid

Easily removable grid on the flat detector makes it possible to visualize small anatomy and extremities with exceptional image quality and excellent x-ray dose efficiency.

Clinical staff

It is important to educate your clinical staff to aid in X-ray dose efficiency measures in the OR. Your team members play a significant role in the precautions that must be taken to manage exposure.

Cardiologists, vascular surgeons, and orthopedic surgeons are among those professionals moving toward the use of less invasive treatment options offered by image-guided surgery. The proactive adherence of the imaging team (surgeon and radiographer) to the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) can help manage unnecessary radiation exposure.

By understanding the behavior of X-rays and the capabilities of the imaging system, interventionalists and their team can manage x-ray dose in the OR for themselves and their patients.

Today’s complex minimally invasive procedures demand intelligent radiation dose management. When your focus is the patient, the X-ray system should not be a concern. Practical solutions that do not compromise image quality must be in place. Careful preparation makes this happen.

There are two key variables related to effective radiation dose management:

Imaging system

Built-in dose management capabilities can deliver exceptional image quality and x-ray dose efficiency. Our intuitive design enables you to apply these X-ray dose management techniques simply and efficiently without taking your attention from the patient.

Beam filtration

This constant beam filtration filters out ‘soft’ or non-diagnostic X-rays and is standard on Philips mobile and fixed imaging systems. No action is required from the surgeon or staff to manage X-ray dose efficiency.

Dose settings

Philips systems offer dedicated imaging modes allowing you to select the best-suited imaging parameters. Each mode is designed to achieve the best image quality for the selected procedure – while maintaining effective dose efficiency.

Removable grid

Easily removable grid on the flat detector makes it possible to visualize small anatomy and extremities with exceptional image quality and excellent x-ray dose efficiency.

Clinical staff

It is important to educate your clinical staff to aid in X-ray dose efficiency measures in the OR. Your team members play a significant role in the precautions that must be taken to manage exposure.

Cardiologists, vascular surgeons, and orthopedic surgeons are among those professionals moving toward the use of less invasive treatment options offered by image-guided surgery. The proactive adherence of the imaging team (surgeon and radiographer) to the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) can help manage unnecessary radiation exposure.

By understanding the behavior of X-rays and the capabilities of the imaging system, interventionalists and their team can manage x-ray dose in the OR for themselves and their patients.

Dose management in the OR – 10 easy steps

These steps help you adhere closely to the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) for X-ray dose management.

1. Set system up properly
Create an optimal imaging environment by ensuring ambient light does not shine into/onto monitors.

2. Use protective shielding
Make certain OR staff wear protective clothing and use available lead shielding as per regional guidelines.

3. Remove X-ray grid
For selected procedures, as when imaging infants and small anatomy, remove the X-ray grid, if possible, to manage X-ray exposure

4. Position flat detector
To reduce scatter radiation and improve image quality, position the flat detector as close as possible to the patient/region of interest.

5. Maintain a safe distance
Make sure no one is closer than clinically necessary to the X-ray source.

6. Select programs & frame speed
Carefully choose the appropriate exam setting/dose mode (i.e., low dose fluoro for pediatrics) and lower the frame rate to match the clinical procedure requirements.

7. Use laser alignment
Position the system, with respect to the region of interest, without the use of X-ray by using the Laser Alignment.

8.Set collimation
Manage X-ray dose and enhance image quality by collimating regions of non-interest (iris and shutters).

9. Shorten exposure time
Keep total exposure time as low as possible and do not use fluoro unless an image update is requested.

10. Park image
To reduce the need for re-imaging during the procedure, place the LIH (Last Image Hold) to the reference monitor.

Enable dose management across your organization

DoseWise Portal is a vendor-agnostic, web-based solution that collects, measures, analyzes, and reports patient & staff radiation exposure, assisting you to take control of quality of care, efficiency, and patient/staff safety.

View product

X-ray dose education for interventionalists

Knowing how to manage radiation exposure is crucial. X-ray dose management in the operating room begins with you. With a proper understanding of precautionary measures, you can help protect yourself, your staff, and your patients. Work DoseWise, without compromising image quality.

General precautions

What is scattered radiation? How does acquisition time and distance from the source impact radiation exposure? Knowledge of basic X-ray principles can help you manage exposure. Learn how to work smarter within a radiation field.

Proper system use

An understanding of best practices for the use of X-ray in clinical situations is critical in managing a reduction in radiation exposure. Discover why flat detector placement, collimation, and X-ray tube positioning all play a big role.

Protective clothing

Always follow local regulations when wearing protective clothing into the OR. Wear it correctly, use a dosimeter to monitor exposure, and face the source of radiation. Find out how you can manage radiation exposure when dressed properly.

Integrated system protection

Filters, automatic dose regulation, and pulsed fluoroscopy are among those features that help manage radiation exposure. Learn how the radiation protection capabilities of today’s modern C-arms benefit you, your staff and your patients.

Building a safety culture

Learn how important it is to share attitudes, values, goals and practices regarding radiation safety across all imaging departments.

Addressing the Joint Commission standards

You’ll need to track, record, and improve X-ray dose performance to comply with new regulations.

Is your CT Smart Dose compliant?

Avoid a 5% to 15% reimbursement reduction. Be sure your CT system meets the MITA Smart Dose CT XR-29 standard.

Effective x-ray dose management in the OR

Today’s complex minimally invasive procedures demand intelligent radiation dose management. When your focus is the patient, the X-ray system should not be a concern. Practical solutions that do not compromise image quality must be in place. Careful preparation makes this happen.

Imaging system

Beam filtration

Dose settings

Removable grid

Clinical staff

Imaging system

Beam filtration

Dose settings

Removable grid

Clinical staff

Dose management in the OR – 10 easy steps

These steps help you adhere closely to the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) for X-ray dose management.

Enable dose management across your organization

X-ray dose education for interventionalists

General precautions

Proper system use

Protective clothing

Integrated system protection

More dose management articles and insights

Building a safety culture

Addressing the Joint Commission standards

Is your CT Smart Dose compliant?

Effective x-ray dose
management in the OR