X-ray Health and Safety

List the four types of radiation in order of mobility

Alpha

Beta

X-ray

Gamma

Which radiation types are found in chemotherapy and why?

Alpha and Beta radiation due to a high cytotoxicity and a lower capacity for movement through tissues leading to more targeted cell destruction

What causes high or low mobility in radiation types?

Their mass; radiation with a larger mass cannot pass through some materials whereas radiation with a smaller mass can pass through almost all materials

Why do x-rays present a physical danger to those in close proximity?

They do not need a contact medium (e.g. can travel through air)

Which radiation type is used in scintigraphy?

Gamma isotopes

Which radiation type poses the most risk to staff and why?

Gamma as the high energy waves increase the distance it can travel

How does radiation affect the body

It interrupts the normal respiration of the cell and disturbs the chemical bond, high levels of radiation can destroy the nucleus of the cell

Why do certain areas of the body require extra protection from radiation? (e.g. the thyroid)

They have a higher cell turnover

What are the four dangerous properties of radiation?

Invisible - we cannot see our exposure

Painless - we cannot feel our exposure

Latent - exposure will only affect you at a later point

Cumulative - exposure builds up over time

What are the three groups of adverse radiation effects?

Somatic

Carcinogenic

Genetic

What are the two classifications of somatic effects?

Acute

Latent

Give two examples of acute somatic effects.

Burning

Blisters

Give two examples of latent somatic effects.

Cataracts

Cancer developments

What are carcinogenic effects of radiation?

Modified DNA and gene mutation

How do genetic effects occur?

Mutations occur within the ovaries and testes when exposed to radiation leading to birth defects in further generations

How is it safe to be around an x-ray head when it is not turned on?

They synthetically make x-ray photons when turned on so there is no risk of exposure when turned off

What is the primary beam of an x-ray?

The beam of x-rays that is emitted through the tube head window

What is secondary radiation?

Also known as scatter radiation, the remnant radiation that is reflected off surfaces

What are the three principles of radiation protection?

Radiation should only be used with definite clinical justification

Use time, distance, and shielding to minimise exposure

No dose limit should be exceeded

What is the inverse square law?

Every time you double the distance from the radiation source, the radiation dose is quartered

What is a controlled area in radiography?

The area around the primary beam where the dose rate of exposure to radiation exceeds the set limit set by legislation

What three warnings should be in place to inform people of radiographs taking place?

A light or illuminated sign outside of the x-ray room

A light on the machine to indicate when the machine is on

An audible indicator when an exposure is taking place

What four items of equipment should be in all radiography rooms

A primary beam filtration device that is no less than 2.5mm aluminium

A functioning collimation device

An exposure button that allows operators to stand at least 2m away from the primary beam

An internal electronic timer which allows the operator to abort if necessary

How often should radiography equipment be serviced?

At least once a year

Name 7 things that should be included in exposure records

Mas

Kv

Whether a grid was used

Patient positions

Staff involved

Patient information (e.g. ID number, breed, weight)

Whether the image is of diagnostic quality

What is radiography PPE typically made from?

Rubber or plastic impregnated with lead

What are the four requirements for radiation PPE?

At least 0.25mm LE (lead equivalency)

Ideally cover front and back

Must be stored flat

Condition should be checked regularly

What LE should lead gloves and sleeves be?

At least 0.35 LE

What are the two requirements for storing dosimeters?

Store outside the x-ray room

Do not store in direct sunlight

How frequently should dosimeters be sent off?

At least every three months

What should you do if an x-ray machine malfunctions?

Shut off the power without entering the controlled area