Imaging and Radiotherapy techniques - Viterbo ASL Viterbo

Activity type

Scienze della prevenzione e dei servizi sanitari, Scienze interdisciplinari cliniche

SSD

MEDS-22/A, MEDS-22/A

Year

1st year

Semester

2nd semester

CFU

3

Hours distribution

24 classroom hours

Lecturers

VITALIANA DE SANCTIS
GABRIELA CAPRIOTTI

Activity type

Scienze propedeutiche

SSD

PHYS-06/A

Year

1st year

Semester

2nd semester

CFU

3

Hours distribution

24 classroom hours

Lecturers

SILVIA TRIVISONNE

The expected outcomes, assessed through an oral exam conducted by all course instructors, include learning basic concepts of radiobiology, physics applied to the operation of the main equipment used in radiology, radiotherapy, and nuclear medicine, and basic concepts of radiation protection. This learning should provide the theoretical foundation for understanding subsequent modules, which will address the clinical application of the use of ionizing radiation.

A good basic knowledge of the principles of physics, biology, genetics and biochemistry is recommended

The course addresses the interactions between ionizing radiation and biological tissues, with particular emphasis on the human body subjected to ionizing radiation for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
The first phase of the course is divided into four lectures covering the physical aspects of the interaction of ionizing particles/radiation with the atoms that compose matter. Subsequent lectures address the biochemical effects.
The course continues with an explanation of cellular damage and, finally, a description, epidemiology, and characteristics of both deterministic and probabilistic somatic damage.

Overview of the main sources of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation in medicine
Ionizing radiation used in radiological imaging: radiation-matter interaction and radiological image formation.
Definition of the main image quality parameters.
Radiological equipment: general structure of the image formation chain, structure and operating principle of the x-ray tube, structure and operating principle of the main image detectors.
Main types of x-ray equipment: conventional radiology equipment, mammography, operating room equipment, CT scanners.
General principles of radiation protection and references to current regulations.
Radiation protection of the operator: risks associated with professional activity, worker classification, main radiation protection measures.
Radiation protection of the patient: risks associated with medical exposures, main radiation protection measures, exposure during pregnancy.
Professionals involved in radiation protection of the operator and the patient: radiation protection expert, licensed physician, medical physics specialist.

slides used in class and handouts provided by teachers

Module:
N/D
Module:
N/D

The lessons are in person, using slides in Italian that are comprehensive on the topic, with the possibility of further exploration of topics upon student request.

Attendance is mandatory with a threshold of 67% of total attendance which is checked by voice roll call and recorded in a paper register.

The evaluation is based on an oral exam during which the candidate will be examined by the members of the integrated course with questions aimed at highlighting the skills acquired during the course of study.

Interaction of radiation with biological matter
Basic operation of the main equipment used in radiodiagnostics, radiotherapy, and nuclear medicine
Principles of radiation protection

• lessons and practical exercitations take place from March to May
  • Books: slides and files distributed by the teachers