Exposure level to caregivers resulting from the scattered radiation during a radiographic procedure

Sayed, Inayatullah Shah and Yusri, Nurfadhilah Hanani (2020) Exposure level to caregivers resulting from the scattered radiation during a radiographic procedure. Physics and Technology in Medicine, 1 (1). pp. 22-26. ISSN 2710-7221 E-ISSN 2710-723X

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Abstract

In radiography, radiation workers are responsible to protect patients and their caregivers from adverse effects of X-rays during diagnostic procedures. The X-ray examination rooms are designated as controlled areas where only authorised persons are allowed to enter. However, sometimes radiographers allow next in-line patients’ and caregivers in X-ray examination room and ask them to stand behind the mobile lead shielding when exposure is on. The objectives of this study were to determine the amount of scatter radiation dose at different heights with respect to the floor in the X-ray examination room and to educate and increase the awareness of radiation workers about the scattered radiation in minimizing the unnecessary radiation dose to patient’s caregivers. Siemens Multix Top X-ray system was used. Kyoto Kagaku PBU-50 whole body phantom was scanned. The phantom (torso) was positioned for anteroposterior (AP) lumbar projection on the examination table. The nanoDot OSLDs were fixed behind the lead shielding at different heights (120, 130, 140, 150, 160 and 170 cm) with respect to the floor 2.5 meters away from the central ray of X-ray beam. The phantom was exposed using different tube voltages 68 kVp, 79 kVp and 90 kVp at a constant tube current of 32 mAs fixing a 100 cm source to image distance (SID). Scatter radiation doses measured at different heights were different for each exposure. The highest scattered radiation dose measured was 6.4 mGy at 130 cm height for 79 kVp exposure. In conclusion the measured scattered radiation doses were within the acceptable annual dose limits as recommended by NCRP 116 and ICRP 103 for patient caregiver. However, a smallest amount of radiation dose may increase the risk of cancer. Thus, the negligence must not be overlooked because it exposes the caregiver to unnecessary radiation.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	6128/83424
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Scatter radiation dose; radiation protection; diagnostic imaging; nanoDot OSLD; caregivers
Subjects:	Q Science > QC Physics
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences > Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Radiotherapy
Depositing User:	Dr Inayatullah Shah Sayed
Date Deposited:	12 Oct 2020 16:27
Last Modified:	12 Oct 2020 16:58
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/83424

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