How do radiologists protect themselves

For example, if a problem arises during a fluoroscopy procedure, stand on the image intensifier side of the C-arm if possible, or, when not assisting, step away from the patient if feasible. Use shielding : The third exposure control is based on the proper radiation shields, automatic interlock devices, and in-place radiation monitoring instruments. Except for temporary or portable shields, protective drapes, lead or lead equivalent aprons, this type of control is usually built into the particular facility, such as concrete walls next to a radiation oncology accelerator.

For portable x-ray devices, follow the vendor instructions. Copyright Complaints. This certifies it as a stable and referenceable technical standard. There are testable success criteria for each guideline. A guide to understanding and implementing Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.

Work is being done to make the system fully compliant with this level. Press esc, or click the close the button to close this dialog box. Philippine Standard Time. Job Vacancies. Adequate radiation protection to all people in the area. In x-ray section, lead barriers, gonadal shield and lead gown are used. Radiographers should ensure that patients, relatives and staff are properly instructed before an x-ray exposure is made.

No x-ray examination should be carried out without a written request from the requesting physician or a request signed by authorized personnel. For inpatients, check the patient chart before printing the request to ensure that the exam requested is correct.

All exposure factors used for all the projections of the radiographic examination should be documented in the x-ray request. For female patients of childbearing age, the last menstrual period LMP should be recorded on the x-ray request.

If the patient is pregnant but the exam is a necessity, consult the radiologist. But the reality is there's little to worry about. The risk of being injured or killed on the job in radiology-related professions is less than that risk in agriculture or construction, according to Frey.

Laws require healthcare facilities to monitor the amount of radiation workers are exposed to on an ongoing basis to be sure the doses are never at unsafe levels. Those levels are determined in state legislation guided by research from the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements. Leggett says students wear "a little octagon-shaped badge with a piece of radiographic film that is sensitive to X-rays or radiation.

Frey says the doses of radiation radiology professionals are exposed to are so small that in his facility, "most badges come back with no reading at all.

Leggett teaches students the principles of time, distance and shielding to ensure they keep themselves safe on the job. Radiographers' work environments are designed for maximum safety. Radiology professionals also benefit from advances in medical technology. Equipment is continually improved to reduce the dose of radiation given to patients, and "as a byproduct of that, the people who work with it get exposed less," Frey says. He points out some of the procedures radiologic technologists perform, such as ultrasounds and MRIs, produce no radiation at all.