Occupational Radiation Exposure5 Ways To Minimize Your Dose

#1 - Limit Exposure Time

Time is one of the three basic safetymeasures to reduce external radiationexposure.● Reducing time of exposure reduces the

effective dose proportionally● Minimize time near radiation sources

#2 - Notify Healthcare PersonnelRadiation equipment operator

○ Must notify healthcare personnel prior to activation of radiation producing equipment (RPE).

○ Any piece of equipment in which x-rays are produced electrically are classified as (RPE).

● Radiation Producing Equipment Applications○ Radiography○ Mammography○ Computed Tomography (CT)○ Fluoroscopy

#3 - Fluoroscopic ProceduresHealthcare personnel performing fluoroscopic procedures must ensure patient is kept as close as possible to image intensifier.● Keep patient away from tube side of unit● Reduce radiation exposure by standing on the

image intensifier side of the fluoroscopic unit (whenever possible)

#4 - Avoid Direct Beam Exposure Healthcare personnel must avoid holding the patient manually during a radiographic study due to the risk of direct beam exposure

○ Any individual holding or supporting a person during radiation exposure should wear protective gloves and aprons (min 0.25 mm Pb equivalent)

○ Keep all body parts out of the direct x-ray beam

#5 - Utilize Shielding Appropriate radiation shielding should be used● Walls, windows, control booths, and doors● Mobile rigid shields on wheels● Flexible aprons, vests, and skirts● Thyroid collars and shields● Leaded safety eye glasses with side shields● Lead gloves

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