OAR@UM Collection:/library/oar/handle/123456789/525602026-06-12T16:30:59Z2026-06-12T16:30:59ZChemical fume monitoring : an investigation of sulphur dioxide fumes in an x-ray processing area./library/oar/handle/123456789/526002020-11-10T07:14:33Z1998-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Chemical fume monitoring : an investigation of sulphur dioxide fumes in an x-ray processing area.
Abstract: Regular fume monitoring of radiological processing facilities aids in giving a clearer idea of
the environmental conditions in which radiographic personnel work. That is, the amount of
hazardous airborne chemicals derived from processing chemistry which may be present in
the workplace. Thus, fume monitoring contributes to ensure a safe working environment
for radiographers and associated staff.
This research study was designed to investigate for the presence of sulphur dioxide fumes
within an X-ray processing area at the Admitting and Emergency Department of St. Luke's
Hospital. The method and research instrument used were the Short-term exposure limit
measured by means of a sulphur dioxide sensitive Draeger-Tube in conjunction with a
Draeger gas detector pump respectively. Also, this research was aimed at making
radiographic personnel aware that, apart from the risks associated with prolonged exposure
to ionizing radiation there are other health hazards present at the workplace.
The results indicated that, during the data collection period, the levels of sulphur dioxide
fumes present in the processing area under investigation were well below the corresponding
British legal limit. However, other hazardous fumes derived from the processing chemistry
may still be present in the workplace with the consequent risk of adverse health effects
among radiographers and associated staff.
Based on the findings, it is recommended that, a number of measures to control/guide
radiological staff in the safe handling and use of processing chemicals should be
implemented in conjunction with a continuous fume monitoring program.
Description: B.SC.(HONS)RADIOGRAPHY1998-01-01T00:00:00ZPaget' s disease : quantification of TC 99m- MDP uptake in patients with Paget' s disease and its correlation with serum alkaline phosphatase./library/oar/handle/123456789/469742020-11-08T06:16:13Z1998-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Paget' s disease : quantification of TC 99m- MDP uptake in patients with Paget' s disease and its correlation with serum alkaline phosphatase.
Abstract: Paget's disease is a non-inflammatory condition of the skeletal system, mainly
the pelvis, the long bones of the lower limbs and the skull. As a disease,
Paget's is of unknown origin and is characterised by prolonged spreading
changes in one or more bones.
This research project was designed to correlate the quantification of Tc-99m
MDP uptake with serum Alkaline Phosphatase levels in patients with Paget's
disease. The study, was performed by looking into data stored at the Gamma
Camera unit at St Luke's hospital of patients who attended examinations
between January 1997 and June 1997. Forty three (43) patients were found to
suffer from the disease.
The results confirmed the positive correlation between the activity index and
the serum Alkaline Phosphatase levels. This indicated that serum Alkaline
Phosphatase is sufficient for the follow up of patients once the treatment is
started.
On the basis of the results, recommendations are proposed to implement serum
Alkaline Phosphatase as the test to follow up patients suffering from Paget's
disease.
Description: DIP.RADIOGRAPHY1998-01-01T00:00:00ZPractical guidelines for the prudent use of diagnostic ultrasound for Malta./library/oar/handle/123456789/462562020-10-25T06:15:12Z1998-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Practical guidelines for the prudent use of diagnostic ultrasound for Malta.
Abstract: After decades of clinical use, diagnostic ultrasound has an enviable record for
safety. However, under certain circumstances diverse biologic effects have been
observed which may lead to risk. Therefore, the 'prudent' (i.e. justified and
optimised) use is of ethical importance.
Guidelines for prudent use of ultrasound are particularly important because its
use is increasing, as is the range of ultrasound intensities. General safety
guidelines have been provided by several professional bodies to define prudent
use. However, these guidelines are often too theoretical to be of direct use.
More practical advice is available in the literature but this is somewhat dispersed.
It is therefore essential that a set of systemic practical guidelines be set up by
every ultrasound department.
Although in Malta many diagnostic ultrasound examinations are carried out
every day, no such guidelines exist. This research project was designed to
provide local ultrasound users with a set of practical guidelines for prudent use.
The study also discusses the possible problems that may arise in implementing
the proposed guidelines in the Maltese situation.
Potential problems identified were the low level of awareness of the possible
deleterious bioeffects of ultrasound, the lack of continuous education, the
absence of knowledge regarding machine outputs and the absence of bioeffect
risk indicators (particularly thermal and mechanical indices) on the machines in
use.
Description: DIP.RADIOGRAPHY1998-01-01T00:00:00Z