At the 'November 8 World Radiology Day' event, organized online by Üsküdar Üniversitesi Vocational School of Health Services (SHMYO), commonly held misconceptions about radiation were addressed. In the event, held with the participation of students studying in the Medical Imaging Techniques Department of SHMYO, ways to protect against radiation and commonly held misconceptions were comprehensively explained.
The event was moderated by Lecturer Elif Ebru Altunsoy Güçlü, Head of the Medical Imaging Techniques Program at SHMYO, and Lecturer Aybike Pirol Elmas from the Biomedical Device Technology Program.
Guests at the event included Chemical Engineer and Radiation Safety Consultant Salih Şimşek, and Radiology Technician Lecturer Sevda Karaçayır.
"If you protect yourself well, you will be exposed to much less radiation"
Radiation Safety Specialist Salih Şimşek stated that different training can be provided in every field for protection against radiation; “My fellow students should not confuse their minds with misinformation in the field, because unfortunately, there are misconceptions and incorrect information regarding radiation protection in the field. Cell phones are said to cause cancer, but there is more research suggesting they don't. The sun is more harmful… UV-C rays are dangerous. These are used in sterilization. There are natural and artificial radiations. We use the artificial ones. There are natural radiations we are exposed to through sunlight and respiration. Everyone in the world is exposed to these. If you protect yourself well, you will be exposed to much less radiation. This is a detailed and sensitive topic. You need to know where and how to protect yourself.” he said.
"Shielding is one of the best ways to protect against radiation…"
Şimşek, providing information about ways to protect against radiation; “Shielding is one of the best ways to protect against radiation; radiology and angio rooms are shielded areas. The places where the devices are located and where you are are shielded rooms. Distance is a protection method that you may not notice much but is important. Furthermore, radiology technicians should know that shielded rooms must be measured every 6 months or once a year. Colleagues working in a place compliant with standards should not be afraid; only the shielded rooms need to be checked every 6 months.” he stated.
"For us, patient safety is always paramount."
Radiology Technician Sevda Karaçayır, emphasizing that technicians who know the equipment they work with, adjust imaging parameters according to the patient and disease, and take necessary precautions for staff and patient safety are also the closest colleagues of radiologists, drew attention to patient safety. Karaçayır; “For us, patient safety is always important. With the devices used in our country, we try to obtain maximum image quality with minimum radiation exposure. In procedures requiring respiration, it is important to perform the procedure where the patient is located. Since technicians are in full contact with patients, they must pay attention to their personal hygiene.” she said, underlining the importance of patient safety.
The event, held via Zoom, concluded after participants' questions were answered.