PAST EDITOR'S MESSAGE | SPRING 2012Merry Hampton
Thyroid Shield:
Recently I had a patient request ahead of time to have a thyroid shield placed on her while taking a 3D scan. I had never used a thyroid shield with my scanner at this point in time. So I sent out an e-mail to many of my colleagues to see if they use one or even if it is possible. What I found out from my responses (thank you to all!) is that some use them all the time, some use them when requested and some have never used them. I was one that never used one and thought that it wasn't possible. I thought the shield would get in the way of the scan. Once I found out this was possible, I used it on my patient that requested it. It worked perfectly. How I used it was by placing the thyroid shield underneath the shield that I use routinely. The patient was happy and the images turned out great, without any interference. I have now implemented this technique on all of my patients. After sending out my question to colleagues, I did receive something back that I found interesting . I had an article sent to me in regards to using a "Thyroid Guard" during mammograms. This was brought to attention on the Dr. Oz show, due to the fast growing thyroid cancer in women. This thyroid guard is used during mammograms, if requested. Similar to some dental offices that don't bother to use it, if you don't know about it, then how would you know to ask? So to all of you that are women, or any of you that have mothers, wives, daughters, nieces, and all our female friends, please let them know that this shield is available. Please do not be afraid to try it in your office while taking a 3D scan. This should be routine and your patient should not have to ask for it. Your editor, Merry Hampton |
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