Yasuhiro Kashimura1,2, Koichi Chida1,3. 1. 1 Department of Radiological Technology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo, Aoba, Sendai 980-8575, Japan. 2. 2 Iwaki Kyoritsu General Hospital, Iwaki, Fukushima, Japan. 3. 3 Division of Disaster Medical Science, International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, Aoba, Sendai, Japan.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The Fukushima nuclear power plant accident resulted in the discharge of radioactive particulate material into the atmosphere. Consequently, several hospitals in Japan have observed black spots on x-ray computed radiography (CR) images caused by particulate radioactive fallout. CONCLUSION: These black spots have no effect on human health. To reduce the influence of black spots on CR images, we need to erase latent images on imaging plates (IPs) immediately before clinical use and read the IPs soon after the x-ray examination. Alternatively, the contaminated felt of a cassette can be cleaned or exchanged, if possible.
OBJECTIVE: The Fukushima nuclear power plant accident resulted in the discharge of radioactive particulate material into the atmosphere. Consequently, several hospitals in Japan have observed black spots on x-ray computed radiography (CR) images caused by particulate radioactive fallout. CONCLUSION: These black spots have no effect on human health. To reduce the influence of black spots on CR images, we need to erase latent images on imaging plates (IPs) immediately before clinical use and read the IPs soon after the x-ray examination. Alternatively, the contaminated felt of a cassette can be cleaned or exchanged, if possible.
Entities:
Keywords:
Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident; Great East Japan Earthquake; black spot; cesium; computed radiography; conventional digital x-ray examination; radioactive material