Radiation Safety

RADIATION SAFETY SUGGESTIONS
For the User/Practitioner/Surgeon

· Lead aprons, gloves and sleeved shirt/jacket should be worn by anyone working within 39 inches of the x-ray head

· Personnel should never be in the primary beam

· Patients should not be held during an exposure

· Persons not directly involved in the procedure should be excluded from the procedure room

· The room should be large and there should be a radiation protective screen

· Dosimeters should be worn to identify if unacceptable exposure to x-rays is occurring

For the Patient

· Use the fastest combination possible to obtain pictures

· Collimate the primary beam to include only the area of interest

· Use a reasonable film-focal distance

· Avoid repeat exposures

For the Public

· While the beam scatter is minimal on a C-Arm, check local regulations to determine shielding requirements for the treatment room

· Warning lights should be placed outside the procedure room to signal preparation and exposure

· Radiation warning signs should be present on doors leading to the procedure room

· People under 16 and pregnant women should not be allowed to assist in procedures.

A WORD ABOUT ROOM SHIELDING
Safety from radiation is of utmost concern for every facility, state, physician and patient. When it comes to shielding for a room where the C-Arm will be utilized, the typical answer is that shielding is not required and the beam limiting design of the system reduces scatter. However, some states and federal authorities may require it. It is always best to contact your state department of radiation safety to be certain that you are in compliance.

 NOTE WELL: this is true of every state, you must have a physicist inspect and check the calibration of the unit prior to using it on patients.