Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 25, 2026
08:47
Rapid Viscoelastic Characterization of Airway Mucus Using a Benchtop Rheometer
Published on: April 21, 2022
A local diagnostic reference level for velopharyngeal investigations
L R Bridge1, D S Hillier, D E Bonnett
1The Medical Physics Department, The Kent Oncology Centre, Maidstone Hospital, Kent ME16 9QQ, UK.
The British Journal of Radiology
|June 18, 2005
Summary
This study established a local diagnostic reference level for velopharyngeal investigations using video-fluoroscopy. The derived reference level aims to optimize radiation dose for paediatric patients undergoing this radiological assessment.
Area of Science:
- Radiological Sciences
- Medical Imaging
- Paediatric Imaging
Background:
- Velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD) requires specialized radiological assessment.
- Video-fluoroscopy is a key technique for evaluating VPD, particularly in children.
- Establishing diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) is crucial for radiation protection in medical imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine an initial local diagnostic reference level (DRL) for velopharyngeal investigations.
- To assess radiation doses associated with standard video-fluoroscopic practice for VPD.
- To provide a benchmark for optimizing radiation exposure in paediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 50 video-fluoroscopic examinations over 7 months.
- Measurement of dose-area product (DAP) values.
- Calculation of DRL based on the 3rd quartile of DAP values.
Main Results:
- Dose-area product (DAP) values ranged from 0.04 to 0.37 Gy cm(2).
- The mean DAP was 0.11 Gy cm(2), with a 3rd quartile value of 0.12 Gy cm(2).
- The maximum estimated effective dose was 0.016 mGy.
Conclusions:
- An initial local diagnostic reference level (DRL) of 0.12 Gy cm(2) was established for velopharyngeal investigations.
- This DRL serves as a benchmark for optimizing radiation doses in this specific radiological procedure.
- The findings support efforts in radiation protection for paediatric patients undergoing video-fluoroscopy.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Assessment of Ventilation II: Respiratory Depth and Rhythm
Respiratory Depth
Respiratory depth measures the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a breath. It can vary from shallow to deep and typically remains consistent when a person is at rest or asleep. Occasionally, individuals will automatically inhale deeply, known as sighing, which inflates the lungs with more air than normal breathing.
To assess respiratory depth, observe the degree of chest excursion or movement:
Respiratory depth measures the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a breath. It can vary from shallow to deep and typically remains consistent when a person is at rest or asleep. Occasionally, individuals will automatically inhale deeply, known as sighing, which inflates the lungs with more air than normal breathing.
To assess respiratory depth, observe the degree of chest excursion or movement:
01:05Difference from Background: Limit of Detection
The limit of detection (LOD) is the smallest amount of analyte that can be distinguished from the background noise. The LOD value corresponds to the concentration at which the analyte signal is three times larger than the standard deviation of the blank signal. Below this value, the analyte signal cannot be differentiated from the background noise. It is calculated by dividing the calibration slope by 3 times the standard deviation of the blank signals.
The LOD indicates the presence or absence...
The LOD indicates the presence or absence...
01:31Respiratory System Abnormal Finding II: Palpation and Auscultation
In assessing respiratory abnormalities, palpation and auscultation are critical tools for detecting and interpreting various pathophysiological changes. These techniques provide insight into underlying disorders by evaluating tactile sensations and sounds produced by the respiratory system.
Palpation Findings
During a respiratory assessment, palpation can reveal several vital abnormalities:
Palpation Findings
During a respiratory assessment, palpation can reveal several vital abnormalities:
01:25Suctioning the Oropharyngeal Airway
In preparing for oropharyngeal airway suctioning, a nurse must gather all necessary equipment, including a suction unit with tubing, a prepackaged suction kit, sterile gloves, water or saline for irrigation, a water-soluble lubricant, and additional personal protective equipment (such as a gown, mask, and goggles) to control infections.
After assembling the equipment, the nurse should practice hand hygiene and don appropriate PPE according to infection control guidelines to avoid the...
After assembling the equipment, the nurse should practice hand hygiene and don appropriate PPE according to infection control guidelines to avoid the...