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Take 5: Safety & Designer Gear

Radiation protection is one of they most crucial aspects during fluoroscopic exams due to the increase in radiation exposure and dose.  Time, distance, shielding--these are the three cardinal principles of radiation protections.  Let's take a closer look at each of these...

 First, let's discuss the time factor of protection.  The amount (mA) of x-rays being radiated can be reduced merely by reducing the time (s) that the x-ray tube is activated.  Intermittent fluoroscopy practice and the "image freeze" function can significantly reduce the amount of time radiation is being used.  The technologist should help keep the attending radiologist aware of fluoroscopy time.  

 Secondly, increasing the distance between the x-ray tube technologist(s) is one of the most effective ways to reduce dose. This is also where the Inverse Square Law is effective.  The law states that intensity of the x-ray beam is inversely related to the distance squared.  Meaning, the further away you are from the beam, the less the x-ray intensity will be resulting in a lower dose.  Consequently, the closer one is to the beam, the intensity increases and the dose is significantly greater. 

 Lastly, what weighs about twenty pounds, can be worn but is not flattering to one's figure, and reduces dose?  Leaded gear!  Scatter radiation from the patient is the greatest source of radiation exposure to the attending tech(s) and radiologist.  Apparel such as leaded aprons, gloves, thyroid shields, and glasses with a lead equivalency of .5mm.  Check out the summary below for various radiation protection devices!  
  • Fluoroscopic leaded tower drape: greatly reduces exposure to fluoroscopy personnel
  • Lead apron, gloves, glasses, and thyroid shield: Reduces exposure to torso, hands, eyes, and thyroid
  • Bucky slot shield: reduces exposure to gonadal region
  • Compression paddle: reduces exposure to arm and hand of fluoroscopist.  



Comments

  1. peterOctober 5, 2020 at 10:26 AM

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