181982937-Clark-s-Pocket-Handbook-For-Radiographers-pdf (1)

Radiation Protection
RADIATION PROTECTION
The following is a list of general principles that can be followed to
minimize dose to patients and staff at various stages of the radiological
examination.
Patient
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Explain the procedure to the patient and the need to keep still.
Make the patient comfortable.
Other Staff and Carers
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Only required staff in the X-ray room.
If supporting the patient, use lead protection.
Radiographer
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Justify the request.
X-ray the correct patient: check two forms of ID.
X-ray the correct body part (check against body part on request
card and patient history.
Collimate to the area of interest.
Careful technique (no repeated examinations).
Use optimum exposure factors (dose reference levels are a legal
requirement of practice).
Optimum beam energy (kVp) used for examination and imaging
system.
Stand behind radiation barrier.
Don’t point the X-ray tube in the direction of the radiation
barrier or doors (which must be closed).
Additional Considerations
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Prepare the room and set a preliminary exposure before inviting
the patient into the X-ray room.
Always explain what you are trying to achieve and what is
expected of the patient.
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