#X ray tech radiation exposure skin

It should be noted that ALARA is not simply a philosophy but also a requirement by law. It entails making all reasonable efforts to keep radiation exposure low, taking into account practical considerations such as technology and socioeconomic conditions.

Undergo ongoing education following initial credentialing and feedback when neededĪs low as reasonably achievable is a philosophy of safety that aims to minimize radiation dose and keep exposure as much below the established limit as is practically possible.

Receive training in radiation safety, basic radiation physics, as well as the effects of radiation.

#X ray tech radiation exposure skin

Flag for followup and counsel the patient if the skin dose exceeds 2 Gy or the cumulative dose exceeds 3 Gy (per NCI guidelines)

Record DAP and cumulative air kerma on the patient’s dose record, and if unavailable, use surrogate measures such as fluoroscopy time to estimate the patient’s dose.

REVIEWING AND REPORTING Review of X-rays is an important step in radiation safetyĪfter the image has been acquired, there are certain essential steps for the radiologic technologist to ensure radiation safety:

Communicate with other personnel to work as a team and minimize radiation dose.

Provide instructions for positioning and breathing to avoid repeats.

Answer the patient’s questions about radiation safety.

Use a power injector or extension tubing when possible during fluoroscopic procedures.

Step away as far as possible to reduce occupational radiation exposure based on the inverse square law.

Use personal protective equipment (leaded eyewear, thyroid shield, and well-fitted leaded apron) and hanging/overhead shields to protect other body parts such as the lower extremities.

Maximize source to patient distance and minimize patient to detector distance.

Minimize electronic magnification whenever possible.Minimize overlapping fields in repeat acquisitions.Collimate tightly to avoid dose to tissue outside the area of interest and protect sensitive organs.Use dose-saving features (for example, last image hold, and pulse mode in fluoroscopy units).Remove grids for children weighing less than 20 kg or body parts less than 10 cm thick and use air gap technique instead.Plan the procedure (technique, exposure factors, patient positioning, and anesthesia) to avoid repeats.Retrieve the patient’s previous radiation record.These steps must be completed in the preparation stage before the image is acquired. These are some of the essential steps for radiologic technologists to ensure radiation safety.