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These rules are applied to diagnostic imaging technologists in order to minimize the amonut of radiation exposure both the patient and the tech themselves recieve. These can be achieved by minizing radiation by
Time is of the essence: The radiation dose to the patient is directly related to the dose rate and the duration of the exposure. Operator exposure (for us technologists) comes from scattered radiation and is also directly proportional to the patient exposure. Technologists should try to keep the time of the exposure as low as possible.
Special considerations should be taken for our pediatric and geriatric patients. We should be aware of setting a shorter exposure time as these patients may be unable to stay still for long periods of time. We also want to minimize their dosage which can be achieved by shortening the time of the exposure.
The intensity of the radiation exposure decreases significantly the further away you are from the exposure. You want your patient to be at the required distance for the anatomy you are imaging but not any closer than needed. This way your patient is not being exposed excessively.
There are different techniques and set ups depending on where you are imaging your patient. These sub topics go into detail of how to get optimal distance according to the part being imaged and where the exam is taking place.
In a patients hospital room for anything that requires a 72 IN SID put the machine towards the edge of the patients stretcher. The distance is usually around 72 IN. Use the tape measure that is inside the collimator box for images that require a 40 IN SID.
In the imaging room if there is not an automatic detent to set your exposure settings, there should be clear indications on the walls or ceilings of the room clearly marking the distances needed. Ensure to align the tube and bucky exactly where you need it for the part you are imaging. Some hospitals use different colored tapes to indicate the distance you want to follow.
In the OR those who are within reach of the patient should be wearing a lead shield to avoid excessive exposure. They should also take a few steps back as the further away from the source of radiation the less exposure they recieve. Distance is marked by increments in the C-arm machine and through the tape measure in the portable if used.
Our responsibility as radiographers is to minimize the amount of exposure to both ourselves and our patients. Using lead shielding to shield patients radiosensitive organs prevents exposure to those vital organs and also attenuates (or holds in) scattter radiation. Which can affect us as techs. This is a very important factor that when we're rushing we do not exactly think of or forget but is important to remember!
When shielding a patient you want to ensure you are shielding radiosensitive organs that are not being imaged. You want to protect the part that is between the X-Ray tube and the patient. For example: During A PA chest exam the patient is facing towards the bucky and the back part of the patient is in between the image receptor and the x-ray tube. You would want to shield your patient like so:
You want to minimize the need for unnecessary exposure to others. If there are any visitors in the room ask them to kindly step out while the exposure is being taken. If another health care worker is present let them know you will be taking an X-Ray and it is best for them to step out for a quick second while the exposure is being taken. If for any reason they are not able to step out for the duration of the exam supply them with a lead shield to protect themselves from the scatter radiation. This also applies when imaging a small child that may need assistance from a parent. The lead apron provided looks like so: