Grapefruit USA Inc (GPFT)

[goldcoastoh]

in regard to radiation safety in fluoroscopy...

i had some fun playing tag with a yahoo poster about radiation...

it dawned on me that many probably aren't aware of the regulations...re: patient/occupational exposure...

thus, i wanted to provide some insights...

first off -- there are annual dose "restrictions." all employees wear personal dosimeters, or dose meters... these don't absorb radiation, but rather record it. it is part of the radiation safety program... most large centers have a radiation safety officer. and small centers will have an "individual responsible for radiation protection." but also, often these two titles are co-titles or similar hats worn by the same person.

the most common badge is the Luxel OSL (optically stimulated dosimetry) badge...it is highly sensitive and is a tough little badge as well... it is made by LANDAUER... even, speech and language pathologists will wear these because SLPs assess patients ability to properly swallow (if thought to be at risk, like think stroke patients, e.g.) so as to not put patients at risk for pneumonia, etc... these tests are done in the radiology dept. and it is referred to as a modified barium swallow exam. we actually watch someone chew and swallow... this would be performed in a fixed-fluoro room...

i just wanted to provide this example -- because one may not think of this branch/discipline as being a "badged employee."

here is the pdf on the Luxel OSL badge...

http://www.osldosimetry.com/documents/Luxel.pdf

*****

as well -- here is a good article on radiation safety in fluoroscopy, as a matter of fact -- it's the name of the article... asterisks added by me for emphasis...

*****

Radiol Technol. 2002 Jul-Aug;73(6):511-33; quiz 534-6, 566.

Radiation safety in fluoroscopy.
Norris TG.

Radiol Technol. 2002 Nov-Dec;74(2):132..

Fluoroscopy is an important diagnostic and interventional imaging tool that enables clinicians to view dynamic, real-time images of anatomy and function unmatched by other imaging techniques. However, operators must take into account many factors that impact the amount of radiation delivered, particularly over the course of a lengthy interventional procedure. After completing this review, readers will: Understand basic concepts of radiobiology and fluoroscopy systems. Know the typical doses and dose calculations for patients and fluoroscopic personnel. Recognize the pathology of biological effects and common radiation-induced skin injuries. ***Understand fluoroscopic technique factors to reduce patient exposure. Know the basic methods for controlling occupational exposure for fluoroscopic personnel.***

PMID: 12154656 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]