ABGX Best Practices for Radiation Monitoring and Reduce Radiation Exposure

ABGX – Best Practices for Radiation Monitoring and Reduce Radiation Exposure

Best Practices for Radiation Monitoring

Radiation safety is a critical aspect of medical and industrial imaging procedures. To ensure optimal protection, professionals must follow strict guidelines to reduce exposure. The following best practices help minimize radiation exposure for both staff and patients. While this list is not exhaustive, trained operators should evaluate specific risks for each procedure.

ABGX, a trusted source for radiation safety, provides valuable insights and recommendations to enhance radiation monitoring practices. By following these best practices, professionals can maintain a safe working environment while ensuring accurate diagnostic results.

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General Best Practices for Radiation Safety

1. Use Dosimeters Always wear body badges and finger rings to monitor radiation exposure levels. These devices help assess the effectiveness of safety measures and ensure compliance with radiation protection standards.
2. Wear Protective Gear Lead aprons, gloves, and thyroid shields are essential for minimizing exposure. Oregon law mandates that no unprotected body part should be within the useful beam during procedures.
3. Utilize Restraints Instead of Holding Patients Whenever possible, use sandbags, sedation, or other mechanical restraints to position patients. Holding patients directly increases radiation exposure risk.
4. Minimize Scatter Radiation Exposure Scatter radiation from patients is a major source of exposure. Maintain a safe distance and use moveable barriers for additional shielding.
5. Apply the Inverse Square Law The farther you are from the radiation source, the lower the exposure. Position yourself strategically to maximize protection.
6. Use Collimation Collimating the x-ray beam reduces scatter radiation and decreases exposure for both patients and staff.
7. Adjust kVp and mAs Settings Properly Using higher kVp with lower mAs settings minimizes radiation dose. For instance, 70kVp@15mAs results in lower exposure than 60kVp@30mAs.
8. Restrict Room Access No unauthorized personnel should be present in the x-ray room during imaging procedures. This rule ensures safety for everyone involved.

Patient Holding and Radiation Exposure

In some cases, an animal may require manual positioning during radiography. When this occurs, specific precautions must be taken:

• Mechanical restraints should be the first option whenever feasible. Radiology staff can provide guidance on best practices.
• If manual holding is necessary, the individual must wear protective gloves, a thyroid shield, and a lead apron.
• Personnel should never place any part of their body within the x-ray beam.
• Monitoring devices must be worn by anyone assisting with patient holding to track exposure levels.
• Cassette or digital panel holders should be used to avoid direct handling. If a cassette must be held, the person assisting should not be a radiation worker.
• No individual should be routinely assigned to hold patients during imaging procedures. Regular exposure contradicts the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle.
• Consulting a CVM radiologist ensures adherence to best practices for each situation.

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Fluoroscopy Safety Measures

Fluoroscopy presents unique radiation risks due to prolonged exposure times. Implementing these safety practices can significantly reduce exposure:

1. Keep Lead Drapes in Place Lead drapes on fluoroscopy tables provide essential protection against scatter radiation. Removing them increases exposure.
2. Use Intermittent Fluoroscopy Activating fluoroscopy only when necessary reduces cumulative radiation exposure for both patients and staff.
3. Position Shielding Correctly Scatter radiation levels vary based on tube head position. Ensure that protective barriers and lead aprons are correctly placed.
4. Wear Appropriate Dosimeters Body badges and finger rings are critical for monitoring fluoroscopy-related radiation exposure levels.
5. Properly Position the X-ray Tube Positioning the x-ray tube below the table minimizes exposure. When placed above, additional shielding should be used to compensate for increased scatter radiation.
6. Consider Wrap-Around Aprons If an attendant stands with their back to the fluoroscopy table, a wrap-around apron provides enhanced protection from scattered radiation.

Portable X-Ray Unit Best Practices

Portable x-ray units pose additional risks due to increased scatter radiation exposure. Follow these best practices to reduce hazards:

1. Never Hold the X-Ray Machine Holding the machine during exposure can lead to excessive radiation exposure. Instead, use fixed supports.
2. Maintain Distance During Exposure Standing too close to the machine increases exposure risk. Always use an exposure control cord and step away as far as possible before taking an x-ray.
3. Utilize Long-Handled Cassette Holders These tools help position the image receptor while keeping personnel outside primary and scatter radiation fields.
4. Avoid the Primary X-Ray Beam No worker should ever be within the direct x-ray beam. Proper positioning and shielding help maintain a safe environment.

Following these best practices for radiation monitoring helps reduce unnecessary exposure and ensures a safer working environment. Whether using fluoroscopy, portable x-ray units, or standard radiographic equipment, safety measures must be a top priority.

ABGX (abgx.net) is a trusted resource for radiation safety guidelines and best practices. Staying informed and adhering to expert recommendations can significantly enhance protection for both medical professionals and patients. By implementing these strategies, facilities can achieve optimal radiation safety standards and maintain compliance with regulatory guidelines.