Safety in Radiography

Question 1

Why do you have to consider safety in radiography?

Answer 1

X-rays are high frequency EM radiation
Ionising radiation - can affect DNA
Penetrating and can pass through substances for long distances

Question 2

ALARP

Answer 2

As Low As Reasonably Practicable
Working Practices
Amount of radiation used
Distance
Shielding

Question 3

Working practices

Answer 3

○ Use sedation or GA to minimise handling
○ Minimum personnel
○ Have a controlled area with signage and warning lights to prevent entry when active
May be a designated x-ray room
May be a stable if working with large animals
○ Local rules set by RPA and monitored by RPS
Rules for that area using that equipment
E.g. do not enter when light is on

Question 4

Amount of Radiation used

Answer 4

○ Collimation, centring, positioning, labelling, reducing artefacts
So repeat exposures are not needed
○ Using previous settings for kV and mAs that gave good quality
Using the minimum

Question 5

Distance

Answer 5

○ Inverse square law
Double the distance = quarter the exposure
○ In small animal practice, leave the room
Not always possible with large animals
Get as far away as practicable
E.g. using cassette holders

Question 6

Shielding

Answer 6

○ Lead
Very dense - large number of atoms
Good for scatter not within primary beam
○ Gowns, gloves, thyroid protectors
○ Portable shields
Leaving the room - lead lined wall

Question 7

Considerations in MRI

Answer 7

Must use non-ferrous metals
Some scanners will have metal detectors