The X-ray machine

Question 1

What is the effect of radiation on cells?

Answer 1

• Ionisation of atoms may cause disruption of molecules and breakage of molecular bonds
• Especially affects DNA by dividing cells

Question 2

What is the effect of radiation on the body?

Answer 2

• Somatic: changes in tissues (gastrointestinal effects, hair loss and cataracts)
• Carcinogenic: damage to DNA causes cancer
• Genetic effects: mutations in chromosome DNA of ova or spermatozoa, which can cause abnormalities in offspring

Question 3

What are the four main dangers of X-rays?

Answer 3

• Invisible
• Painless
• Latent
• Cumulative

Question 4

What are the sources of exposure to radiation?

Answer 4

• Primary beam
• Secondary: scatter

Question 5

What are the 4 basic principles of safety?

Answer 5

• No dose limit exceeded; should be an maximum permitted dose
• Exposure of personnel kept to a minimum
• No unnecessary procedures
• No physical restraint during X-rays

Question 6

What are the 8 safety considerations when using the X-ray?

Answer 6

• Local rules/personnel enforcing rules
• Premises/controlled area
• X-ray machine and table
• PPE
• Positioning Aids
• Monitoring exposure (dosimetry)
• Personnel taking X-rays
• Procedures