X-Ray Exposure Controls
Other x-ray exposure controls include:
Patients should wear lead aprons if they are in the direct x-ray field.
- X-ray rooms should have a barrier wall with a lead plated glass window. This way, technicians can step behind the barrier wall to take the x-ray and avoid radiation exposure.
- Lead plated glass is also used as a barrier to protect against radiation exposure when procedures must be done close to the patient.
- Lead strips provide some protection from radiation exposure for employees running fluoroscopy procedures.
- Lead aprons and lead gloves offer some protection for employees and patients and should be worn in the direct x-ray field. Opaque goggles are to be worn in the direct x-ray field.
- Some procedures like those that use remote fluoroscopy can be run from controls in an adjacent room, free from radiation exposure.
- A specific person should have the responsibility for assuring proper maintenance of the portable x-ray machines.
- Kits containing radioactive isotopes or specimens and excreta of humans and animals who have received radio nucleotides may pose a hazard. Exposure may also result from the handling of radioactive spills [29 CFR 1910.1096, Ionizing Radiation Standard].
- There should be a separate storage area for radioactive sources. This area should be adequately shielded.
- Document and retain inventories of radioactive materials. Only authorized personnel should have access to storage areas.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-4. Who should be the only person who has access to radioactive storage areas in a healthcare setting?
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