Apply HL safety and ethics evidence to radiation, medical imaging, genetic screening and technology decisions, weighing risks, benefits and environmental effects.
This question is about the use of radioactive isotopes.
Radiologists working with radioactive sources wear a film badge. Discuss the function of a film badge.
film badge contains photographic film;
which darkens when exposed to radiation;
to monitor the amount of exposure over a period of time;
different filters allow for alpha-radiation, beta-radiation and gamma-radiation to be monitored separately;
One of the side effects of the use of Sr -89 is the reduction of white blood cells in the body, leaving the patient prone to infections. Outline one ethical implication of the choice between using Sr-89 to treat bone cancer and not carrying out treatment.
treatment may lead to other medical complications;
lack of treatment will allow the cancer to spread/increase pain levels;