Protect from Scatter Beam Radiation with Lead Gloves - Health - Dental Care

At the veterinarian's office, there are many ways for medical professionals and technologists to protect themselves from the exposures faced on a daily basis. Specifically, radiological and fluoroscopic procedures both present significant exposure to scatter beam radiation. This is the exposure from x-rays as they travel through the animals' body and make contact with the internal structures.

This scatter beam radiation exposure can be offset by the use of lead-lined protective garments, such as an apron, thyroid shield and specially designed lead gloves. For the veterinarian's office, lead gloves are available with the choice of open or closed radiation protection in order to accommodate the technologist's ability to keep an animal's position maintained for the duration of the procedure.

Of course, there are protective measures one can take to keep the radiation dose as reasonably low as achievable. After all, the risk is minimal to the patient, while the technologist is subject to exposure repeatedly through the course of every day. The use of dosimetry, the method by which exposure is quantified over time, will help to determine if the technologist is reaching the advised limited exposure.

Time, distance and shielding are key to minimizing the exposure to scatter beam radiation as even small doses of radiation can damage DNA. Using the fastest imaging systems possible and close collimation will help to reduce scatter radiation. The x-ray machine should not be hand-held while exposing, and using a control cord can extend the distance from the machine up to six feet during exposures.

Technologists should stand as far away from the patient during a fluoroscopy as is feasible, and when not assisting, they should be standing inside the control booth. It is important to keep the lead between the technologist and the x-ray tube. Veterinary technologists shouldn't use fluoroscopy as a substitute for radiography, as in an attempt to avoid particularly complex positioning. Sandbags and other similar restraints can be employed in lieu of actually having to be the person to hold the patient in place.

Periodically checking lead gloves and aprons for evidence of cracks or tears in the protective material will ensure their performance. It is best to remove any radiation protection equipment that is not functioning properly and any changes in technical factors should be reported.

Portable radiology still calls for protective lead gloves and other protective apparel. The animal must also be kept calm and still during the exposure. The cassette holder can be extended to increase the distance between the technologist and the x-ray beam. Care should be taken to ensure workers or other people are not directly in the beam, either, just as the direction of the x-ray beam should not be aimed at a corridor or into any area where inadvertent exposure can occur.

Using good safety practices every day will keep technologist's and patient's radiation dose as low as feasible.

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