Basic Radiation Protection PDF

Basic Radiation Protection  Basic Radiation Protection for Radiographer 1. Time - reduce or limit the time spent near the radiation. 2. Distance - keep as much distance as possible from radiation source. 3. Shielding - must be use as barrier between the source and the individual. ...

Basic Radiation Protection  Basic Radiation Protection for Radiographer 1. Time - reduce or limit the time spent near the radiation. 2. Distance - keep as much distance as possible from radiation source. 3. Shielding - must be use as barrier between the source and the individual.  Primary Radiation Protection Devices Filtration - metal filters, usually aluminum or copper, inserted into the x-ray tube housing - absorbed low-energy x-rays before they reach the patient Collimation - restricts the x-ray beam only to the part to be examined and thereby spares the adjacent tissue from unnecessary radiation exposure. - reduces scatter radiation and thus improves image contrast  Primary Radiation Protection Devices Protective Apparel - lead impregnated material used for aprons, gloves and thyroid shields Gonadal Shield - lead impregnated material used to protect the gonadal area from radiation exposure - must be used on all patients of childbearing age if gonads are in or near the x- ray beam and if it will not interfere the diagnostic value of the examination Protective Barriers - lead-lined walls or lead glass window behind where the radiographer stands during x-ray exposure  Ten Commandments of Radiation Protection 1. Understand and apply the cardinal principles of radiation control: time, distance, and shielding. 2. Do not allow familiarity to result in false security. 3. Never stand in the primary beam. 4. Always wear protective apparel when not behind a protective barrier. 5. Always wear a radiation monitor and position it outside the protective apron at the collar. 6. Never hold a patient during radiographic examination. Use mechanical restraining devices when possible. Otherwise, have parents or friends hold the patient. 7. The person holding the patient must always wear a protective apron and, if possible, protective gloves.  Ten Commandments of Radiation Protection 8. Use gonadal shields on all people of childbearing age when such use will not interfere with the examination. 9. Examination of the pelvis and lower abdomen of a pregnant patient should be avoided whenever possible, especially during the first trimester. 10. Always collimate to the smallest field size appropriate for the examination.