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

• Main Authors: Sayed, Inayatullah Shah, Yusri, Nurfadhilah Hanani
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Malaysian Association of Medical Physics (MAMP) 2020
• Subjects: QC Physics
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/83424/1/Exposure%20Level.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/83424/; http://myjms.moe.gov.my/index.php/ptm

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.