Module information
Module details
- Title
- Introduction to Imaging with Non-Ionising Radiation
- Type
- Rotation
- Module code
- S-IN-R1
- Credits
- 10
- Phase
- 1
- Requirement
- Compulsory
Aim of this module
This module will introduce trainees to the fundamentals of practice and principles of safe use of non-ionising radiation. Trainees will appreciate the range of equipment and techniques used in ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, as well as non-imaging and optical radiation techniques.
Work-based content
Training activities
| # | Learning outcome | Training activity | Type | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| # 1 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 |
Training activities
Attend group meeting(s) where MR and ultrasound physics support are discussed and reflect on the meeting |
Type OTA | Action View |
| # 2 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 |
Training activities
Shadow and reflect on the role of Clinical Scientists working with:
|
Type OTA | Action View |
| # 3 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 |
Training activities
Observe a range of clinical MRI scans and reflect on the process |
Type OTA | Action View |
| # 4 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 |
Training activities
Observe a range of clinical ultrasound scans and reflect on the process |
Type OTA | Action View |
| # 5 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 |
Training activities
Follow the clinical workflow pathway through the clinical imaging department from referral to use of the images in clinical management and reflect on the journey |
Type OTA | Action View |
| # 6 | Learning outcome 1,3,4,6 |
Training activities
Explore the application of a new or advanced technique in non-ionising radiation and reflect on its impact on diagnosis and practice |
Type OTA | Action View |
| # 7 | Learning outcome 1,3,5,6 |
Training activities
Review the local rules and safe working procedures for an MR working area and reflect on how this guides practice |
Type OTA | Action View |
| # 8 | Learning outcome 1,3,5,6 |
Training activities
Review the effect of safe working practice guidelines for Ultrasound and reflect on how this guides practice |
Type OTA | Action View |
| # 9 | Learning outcome 1,3,5,6 |
Training activities
Review the safe working practices for optical radiation and reflect on how this guides practice |
Type OTA | Action View |
| # 10 | Learning outcome 1,3,5,6 |
Training activities
Observe analysis and processing of images and reflect on the process |
Type OTA | Action View |
Assessments
Complete 1 Case-Based Discussion
Complete 1 DOPS or OCE
Direct Observation of Practical Skills Titles
- Verify that the 0.5 mT fringe magnetic field is contained within an MR environment as defined in the local rules.
- Carry out user tests in air on a simple ultrasound scanner.
- Perform a basic safety audit of an MR clinical area.
- Measure the output of an optical source.
- Perform simple scan of a phantom or patient.
- Perform a simple image analysis.
Observed Communication Event Titles
- Gather a patient history relevant to the specialty from a patient, patient representative, or a member of the multidisciplinary team.
- Present a patient history relevant to the specialty to a member of the multidisciplinary team.
- Discuss the results of a safety questionnaire.
Learning outcomes
| # | Learning outcome |
|---|---|
| 1 | Explore the contribution of Imaging with Non-ionising Radiation to patient care. |
| 2 | Identify the roles and relationships of the multidisciplinary team in Imaging with Non-ionising Radiation. |
| 3 | Describe the working practices of Imaging with Non-ionising Radiation. |
| 4 | Examine the impact of innovation in Imaging with Non-ionising Radiation. |
| 5 | Review the effect of legislation in Imaging with Non-ionising Radiation. |
| 6 | Compare and contrast the practice of Imaging with Non-ionising Radiation with other specialties. |
Clinical experiences
Activities
There is no clinical experiential learning associated with this module.
Academic content (MSc in Clinical Science)
Important information
The academic parts of this module will be detailed and communicated to you by your university. Please contact them if you have questions regarding this module and its assessments. The module titles in your MSc may not be exactly identical to the work-based modules shown in the e-portfolio. Your modules will be aligned, however, to ensure that your academic and work-based learning are complimentary.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module the trainee will be able to:
- Apply integrative knowledge of the physical principles underpinning common non-ionising radiation healthcare applications, appraising the biological and health effects of non-ionising radiation.
- Explain the basic operation and performance assessment methods of non-ionising radiation equipment, demonstrating critical awareness of the associated risks and limitations.
- Appraise the application of guidance and legislation relevant to common clinical practice.
Indicative content
| MR | |
| MR – basics of NMR | Resonance, energy gaps, magnetisation, relaxation (T1, T2, T2*), chemical shift, basic NMR sequences (1 and 2 pulse) |
| MR – basics of image formation | Gradients, slice selection, readout, phase encoding, fast Fourier transform, k-space, k-space diagrams |
| MR – MRI sequences | Gradient echo, spin echo, FLAIR, multislice 2D vs 3D, FatSat, acronyms in MRI |
| MR – safety | Fringe field, active and passive medical implants, projectile injury, SAR, sound levels, dB/dt, HPA/ICNIRP guidelines, suite design |
| MR – basic QA in MRI | Standards, test objects (including ACR phantom), basic factors influencing performance, SNR, stability, geometric distortion, uniformity |
| MR – physics & clinical MRI | Clinical examples from brain and body linking the basic MR methods and contrasts (T1,T2, PD including contrast enhanced and fat saturated) to clinical contrast and pathology |
| MR – MRI instrumentation | Magnet, coldhead, chillers, shims, gradient coils, RF chain, RF coils, Faraday cage, computer system |
| Ultrasound | |
| US – ultrasound physics | Propagation of ultrasonic waves: longitudinal and transverse waves, plane and focused waves, acoustic pressure and intensity
Interaction of ultrasonic waves with tissue: reflection and refraction of waves, attenuation, absorption and scattering in tissue |
| US – B-mode scanning | Brief history, A-mode, B-mode, M-mode, Doppler modes. Basic B-mode scanner instrumentation, scanner controls, transducer types and image formats |
| US – basic QA of ultrasound scanners | Basic B-mode quality assurance, detection of element drop-out for different transducer types, testing of measurement tool accuracy |
| US – safety | Thermal and non-thermal bioeffects, displayed thermal and mechanical index values, the output display standard, the ALARA principle, special safety considerations for ophthalmology, infection control, ergonomic issues, transducer surface temperature |
| Optical Radiation | |
| Introduction to light | EM spectrum, radiometry, photometry, light sources, detectors, interaction with tissue, adverse effects, safety |
| VIS-IR light techniques | Blood flow, photoplethysmography, oximetry, spectrophotometry, capillaroscopy imaging, temperature measurement, blue light sources, clinical applications |
| Lasers | Lasers and intense light sources
Safety: surgical and imaging lasers, positioning lasers, laser pointers, other intense light sources. Discussion to include use of laser pointers and other devices by the general public. H&S legislation/guidance. Clinical applications: lasers, power and pulse sequences in surgery, ophthalmology, physiotherapy, plastic surgery, patient positioning, burn imaging, optical imaging etc. |
| UV | Instrumentation, Treatment principles, QS, H&S legislation/guidance. |
| Device management and computing | |
| Medical devices | Definition of a medical device, medical device regulations, medical device standards, CE marking, electrical and mechanical safety, risk assessment, MHRA |
| Equipment Lifecycle | Specification, tendering and procurement, installation and commissioning, role of quality management system, decommissioning |
| Introduction to IT and clinical computing | General-purpose software, networking, security e.g. firewalls, viruses, encryption |
Module assigned to
Specialties
| Specialty code | Specialty title | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Specialty code SPE1-2-22 | Specialty title Imaging with Non-Ionising Radiation [2022] | Action View |
| Specialty code SPE1-1-22 | Specialty title Radiotherapy Physics [2022] | Action View |
| Specialty code SPE1-5-22 | Specialty title Nuclear Medicine [2022] | Action View |
| Specialty code SPE1-6-22 | Specialty title Radiation Safety and Diagnostic Radiology [2022] | Action View |
| Specialty code SPE1-2-23 | Specialty title Imaging with Non-Ionising Radiation [2023] | Action View |
| Specialty code SPE1-5-23 | Specialty title Nuclear Medicine [2023] | Action View |
| Specialty code SPE1-6-23 | Specialty title Radiation Safety and Diagnostic Radiology [2023] | Action View |
| Specialty code SPE1-1-23 | Specialty title Radiotherapy Physics [2023] | Action View |
| Specialty code SPE1-6-24 | Specialty title Radiation Safety and Diagnostic Radiology [2024] | Action View |
| Specialty code SPE1-2-24 | Specialty title Imaging with Non-Ionising Radiation [2024] | Action View |
| Specialty code SPE1-5-24 | Specialty title Nuclear Medicine [2024] | Action View |
| Specialty code SPE1-1-24 | Specialty title Radiotherapy Physics [2024] | Action View |