https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/52560 2026-05-02T05:42:22Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/52600 Title: Chemical fume monitoring : an investigation of sulphur dioxide fumes in an x-ray processing area. Abstract: Regular fume monitoring of radiological processing facilities aids in giving a clearer idea of the environmental conditions in which radiographic personnel work. That is, the amount of hazardous airborne chemicals derived from processing chemistry which may be present in the workplace. Thus, fume monitoring contributes to ensure a safe working environment for radiographers and associated staff. This research study was designed to investigate for the presence of sulphur dioxide fumes within an X-ray processing area at the Admitting and Emergency Department of St. Luke's Hospital. The method and research instrument used were the Short-term exposure limit measured by means of a sulphur dioxide sensitive Draeger-Tube in conjunction with a Draeger gas detector pump respectively. Also, this research was aimed at making radiographic personnel aware that, apart from the risks associated with prolonged exposure to ionizing radiation there are other health hazards present at the workplace. The results indicated that, during the data collection period, the levels of sulphur dioxide fumes present in the processing area under investigation were well below the corresponding British legal limit. However, other hazardous fumes derived from the processing chemistry may still be present in the workplace with the consequent risk of adverse health effects among radiographers and associated staff. Based on the findings, it is recommended that, a number of measures to control/guide radiological staff in the safe handling and use of processing chemicals should be implemented in conjunction with a continuous fume monitoring program. Description: B.SC.(HONS)RADIOGRAPHY 1998-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46974 Title: Paget' s disease : quantification of TC 99m- MDP uptake in patients with Paget' s disease and its correlation with serum alkaline phosphatase. Abstract: Paget's disease is a non-inflammatory condition of the skeletal system, mainly the pelvis, the long bones of the lower limbs and the skull. As a disease, Paget's is of unknown origin and is characterised by prolonged spreading changes in one or more bones. This research project was designed to correlate the quantification of Tc-99m MDP uptake with serum Alkaline Phosphatase levels in patients with Paget's disease. The study, was performed by looking into data stored at the Gamma Camera unit at St Luke's hospital of patients who attended examinations between January 1997 and June 1997. Forty three (43) patients were found to suffer from the disease. The results confirmed the positive correlation between the activity index and the serum Alkaline Phosphatase levels. This indicated that serum Alkaline Phosphatase is sufficient for the follow up of patients once the treatment is started. On the basis of the results, recommendations are proposed to implement serum Alkaline Phosphatase as the test to follow up patients suffering from Paget's disease. Description: DIP.RADIOGRAPHY 1998-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46256 Title: Practical guidelines for the prudent use of diagnostic ultrasound for Malta. Abstract: After decades of clinical use, diagnostic ultrasound has an enviable record for safety. However, under certain circumstances diverse biologic effects have been observed which may lead to risk. Therefore, the 'prudent' (i.e. justified and optimised) use is of ethical importance. Guidelines for prudent use of ultrasound are particularly important because its use is increasing, as is the range of ultrasound intensities. General safety guidelines have been provided by several professional bodies to define prudent use. However, these guidelines are often too theoretical to be of direct use. More practical advice is available in the literature but this is somewhat dispersed. It is therefore essential that a set of systemic practical guidelines be set up by every ultrasound department. Although in Malta many diagnostic ultrasound examinations are carried out every day, no such guidelines exist. This research project was designed to provide local ultrasound users with a set of practical guidelines for prudent use. The study also discusses the possible problems that may arise in implementing the proposed guidelines in the Maltese situation. Potential problems identified were the low level of awareness of the possible deleterious bioeffects of ultrasound, the lack of continuous education, the absence of knowledge regarding machine outputs and the absence of bioeffect risk indicators (particularly thermal and mechanical indices) on the machines in use. Description: DIP.RADIOGRAPHY 1998-01-01T00:00:00Z