Appropriateness of each mobile examination is assessed prior to initiation, with consideration of patient condition, imaging requirements and radiation safety
Appropriateness of mobile examinations
- Mobile radiographic and fluoroscopic equipment is only used for examinations where it is impractical to transfer patients to a permanent medical imaging department1,2.
- Decisions on appropriateness of mobile examinations take into consideration:
- The best interests of the patient undergoing the imaging – including the impact of travel to and from the diagnostic imaging department
- Image quality – better quality images can usually be obtained in the imaging department with stationary units3
- Radiation protection of the patient, as well as other personnel and the general public, in the vicinity of areas where radiographic equipment is being used1
Seeking clarification
- If an MRT has questions about the appropriateness of a requisition for a mobile examination, it is their obligation to seek clarification with the responsible healthcare professional.
- MRTs can find direction on clarifying information with the ordering physician/practitioner in the guideline Clarification of requisition, order or prescription
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References
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Health Canada. Safety Code 35: Safety Procedures for the Installation, Use and Control of X-ray Equipment in Large Medical Radiological Facilities. Available from: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/pubs/radiation/safety-code_35-securite/index-eng.php. [Accessed 12 Dec 2019]
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Statkiewicz Sherer MA, Visconti PJ, Russell Ritenour E, et al. Radiation Protection in Medical Radiography. 8th ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier, 2018.
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Adler AM, Carlton RR. Introduction to radiologic sciences and patient care. 5th ed. St. Louis, MO: Saunders; 2011.