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ABCs of Radiation Safety

ABCs of Radiation Safety. Joseph D. Babb, MD FACC FSCAI Professor of Medicine East Carolina University. Conflicts of Interest None for purposes of this presentation Acknowledgements Thomas Bashore, MD FSCAI Stephen Balter, PhD FSCAI For allowing me to use some of their illustrations.

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ABCs of Radiation Safety

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  1. ABCs of Radiation Safety Joseph D. Babb, MD FACC FSCAI Professor of Medicine East Carolina University

  2. Conflicts of Interest None for purposes of this presentation Acknowledgements Thomas Bashore, MD FSCAI Stephen Balter, PhD FSCAI For allowing me to use some of their illustrations

  3. Message • Keep the x-ray source (the tube) as far away from you (the operator) as possible consistent with optimal imaging.

  4. Radiation Safety Principle • Use the least amount of magnification consistent with seeing the object adequately. • BIGGER IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER!! • A larger image means more radiation • If it is necessary for adequate visualization, fine • If it does not improve procedure safety or performance, reduce the magnification

  5. Stochastic effects • Probability proportional to dose • Severity independent of dose • Assumed zero threshold Risks are Radiogenic Cancer and Genetic Damage

  6. Deterministic effects • Certainty of effect • Severity is a function of dose • Substantial thresholdHigh dose risks are:hair loss, skin damage, cataracts, and congenital abnormalities

  7. Time • Radiation is only produced when the beam is on! • Irradiate only when it is necessary to observe motion. • Last-image-hold and instant replay can usually save dose.

  8. Distance effect Use the inverse square law to your advantage and whenever possiblemove away from the x-ray source as far as safety allows.

  9. Shielding Protective shielding can markedly reduce staff risk. (when used!) • Structural Shielding • Mobile Shielding • Personal Shielding

  10. Protective Clothing • Well tailored apron • Thyroid collar • Eye protection

  11. Collimation

  12. Wear Your Exposure Badge • It is for your benefit • The readings should correlate with your workload • Over-lead monitor on midline at neck level • Under-lead monitor on midline at waist level • Weighted average for estimating stochastic risk

  13. Summary • Safe use of radiography demands understanding of basic radiation physics • Sources of radiation • Proper positioning of patient in x-ray beam • Maintenance of I.I. close as possible to patient • Proper use of shielding • Use the inverse square law of radiation exposure to your advantage • Use the least magnification consistent with adequate visualization • Only activate the x-ray when moving a device or assessing and injection! • Always wear your film badge and change monthly

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