RATE Medical Physics Consulting provides rounded, high-quality consulting services in diagnostic radiology/imaging and additionally in nuclear medicine and radiation oncology
- Quarterly and annual compliance and routine tests
- Diagnostic radiology equipment testing performed as required by the Department of Health: Directorate – Radiation Control (DoH:RC) and South African National Accreditation System (SANAS).
These tests ensure ongoing effective and optimized use of medical radiological equipment, including patient specific optimization.
- Diagnostic radiology equipment testing performed as required by the Department of Health: Directorate – Radiation Control (DoH:RC) and South African National Accreditation System (SANAS).
Tests are carried out on the following:
- X-ray systems
- Radiographic systems
- Fluoroscopic systems
- Automatic exposure control devices
- Computed Tomography (CT) systems
- Vascular imaging systems (angiography)
- Radiation equipment centered services
- Performing acceptance testing on all radiological equipment
- Development of purchasing and acceptance specifications for new equipment
- Supply of diagnostic agents and other consumables
- Calibration and safety surveys of imaging equipment
- Personnel and Patient centred services
- Monitoring of patient radiation doses
- Foetal radiation dose estimate calculations
- Radiation incident advice and reporting
- Review of patient and staff radiation incidents involving ionizing radiation
- Fluoroscopy skin burn guidance from National Cancer Institute (NCI)
- Review of radiation safety procedures for compliance with regulatory requirements
- Compilation of individual equipment records (IERs) for all radiation-emitting equipment
- Implementation and use of diagnostic reference levels (DRLs)
- Investigation and review of programs with regards to DRLs
- Additional services
- Acquisition and administration of personal radiation monitoring devices (radiation dosimeters)
- Purchasing and distribution of the personal protective equipment (PPEs or lead aprons)
- Facility design for installation of new units
- Design, calculation and inspection of radiation protection shielding
- Training of hospital personnel on radiation protection aspects
- Implementation of radiation protection committee meetings
- Research and development of new equipment and modalities for improved diagnostic and therapeutic applications of radiation
- Participation in clinical and basic research