Radiation Safety Tips

Device Inspections

The National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements recommends the dose limits that State radiation control agencies use. For a radiation worker (i.e. a Xoran operator) the dose limit is set at 5000 millirem per year. If a radiation worker declares (in writing) that they are pregnant, their limit becomes 500 millirem over the course of the pregnancy or nine months.  The dose limit for members of the public is 100 millirem per year.  A dose limit does not exist for x-ray patients.

Radiation Risks

If a patient asks about radiation risks, always be up front in letting them know that there ARE risks associated with x-ray exposures but… that measures are taken in the design of the x-ray device and its operation to reduce the risk as much as possible.  They can discuss the risks with the prescribing physician, or if this does not fully address their concerns, feel free to consult us at West Physics and we would be happy to provide accurate and, in many cases, reassuring information for the patient.  Either the patient or a facility representative can call us toll-free at (866) 275-WEST

Necessary People

Remember that only those people necessary for the performance of the x-ray examination should be present in the scan room during the exposure. If a doctor or other medical professional needs to also be in the room with the patient and technologist, they should stand behind the operator barrier with the technologist during the exposure. Make sure that you are also familiar with your procedure for holding of patients (many states do not allow this practice except in exceptional circumstances) who cannot remain still during an exposure.

Adding / Removing / Relocating

• Always remember – when an X-ray machine (including the MiniCAT™ or any other X-ray emitting device) is added to a facility, removed from a facility, or relocated within a building or to a new building, notification to your state regulatory agency is required.
• For new and relocated units, you should also consult with the state regulatory personnel or with your medical physicist to ensure that any physics surveys required by your state are completed as needed and that any shielding needs are also met.
• Finally, if your X-ray device has a new X-ray "tube" installed (the primary component that produces the X-rays), many states also require that a physics survey be performed after that to verify the proper and safe performance of the new tube. Making sure that these tasks are completed will ensure that your facility’s X-ray program stays compliant and avoids any unnecessary service interruptions.

Prevent Radiation Scatter

Keep scan room doors closed during scanning to reduce radiation scatter out of the room and ensure patient privacy.

Also, the scanner operator should always remain at the operator console during the entire scan. Stepping out of the room or out from behind the operator barrier can raise the operator's radiation dose, is not optimal for patient safety, and is also not allowed by most states' regulations.

Radiation Safety Review

February is a great time to do a quick review of your radiation safety program. Once a year, you should ensure that your radiation safety records and materials are up-to-date:

Performing these 5 steps will help ensure you stay compliant and safe in the New Year!

Personal Dosimeters

Always remember to wear your personal dosimeter on your torso or collar area outside your clothing when operating your Xoran MiniCAT™ scanner. Also, it is important to store your dosimeter in a location where it will not be exposed by the CT unit or other radiation sources when you are not wearing it – and never take it home with you or wear it outside the office. It is meant to record your exposure from occupational sources of radiation ONLY. Sticking to these dosimetry practices will ensure that your recorded radiation dose is always accurate.

Courtesy of West Physics Consulting, LLC
www.westphysics.com