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Radiation Safety at RAS

Radiation Safety is of paramount concern to all RAS physicians and staff. In order to ensure the highest level of patient care and accuracy in diagnostic imaging and radiation treatment, RAS has established meticulous quality assurance processes and standards of practice to which we adhere. Our board-certified physician owners and clinical staff are among the most respected in Northern California and have received training at the nation’s most renowned universities and medical schools. Having been in the community for over 95 years, RAS has been instrumental in advancing diagnostic imaging and cancer treatment technology in the greater Sacramento region while putting our patients’ well being and safety first and foremost. Our rigorous Quality Assurance program allows for safe, precise and accurate delivery of radiation treatment for all patients.

Commitment to our Patients
At RAS, a commitment to safety is made by all of our physicians and employees with oversight by our Radiation Safety Committee. Policies and procedures, guidelines and responsibilities are consistent with As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) and regulatory requirements. Our technical staff undergoes extensive training and credentialing, ensuring high-level operation and competency. RAS’ well-established practice standards guarantee consistent and reliable patient care.

If after reviewing the information below you are still concerned about radiation safety, please feel free to speak with your RAS radiologist, radiation oncologist, technologist or therapist through our Contact Us page or click here to email us directly.

Diagnostic Imaging
At RAS diagnostic imaging centers, your safety while undergoing CT scans is ensured by the following best practices:

    • CT Safety protocols are reviewed regularly.
    • CT scanners are Certified by the American College of Radiology (ACR).
    • MRI/CT Technologists are required to maintain certification with the American Registry
      of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
    • Early adoption and adherence of the ALARA principal by all RAS physicians and staff.
    • Regular review of all Policies regarding the monitoring of radiation dose.
    • Documentation of Dose Length Product (DLP) on all Patients, reviewed by RAS physicians appropriately.
    • QA procedures established to protect patient's safety.

Radiation Oncology
At RAS radiation oncology centers, your safety while undergoing radiation therapy is ensured by the following best practices:

    • Radiation equipment including beams and guidance systems, are inspected daily,
      weekly and monthly.
    • Treatment plans and dose calculations are reviewed by a team of physicists, therapists
      and board-certified physicians.
    • Phantom studies are performed on all IMRT cases.
    • Radiation dose and patient identity is verified prior to treatment delivery.
    • Patient dosing levels are routinely monitored and checked during course of treatment.
    • Policies and procedures are strictly followed.
    • Periodic reviews are made by regulatory agencies.
    • Proper shielding techniques are executed in accordance with National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) guidelines.

Additional Resources
Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC)
American College of Radiology (ACR)
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Radiological Physics Center (RPC)
Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG)
RadiologyInfo
 

 



 

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