[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]
Re: X-Rays at Podiatrist Office
Entrance skin exposure from various general x-ray units that I see are
anywhere from 10 mR to 30 mR, based on their typical technique. That's
about 8 to 25 days of background equivalent radiation time (BERT, background
@ 300 mR/year via John Cameron). I survey only one true podiatry unit per
year, and ESE for that unit is a little higher for their typical technique
at 64 mR due to a source to image distance less than 40 inches. Still, only
about 52 days worth of background. Our state does require that the exposure
switch extend to at least 6 feet from the source. Regardless of the low
exposure for extremity work, the "techs" should be trained to always reduce
their exposure whenever possible. Somebody should've explained the
difference between occupational exposure and patient exposure, and told them
to stand at least 6 feet away when shooting a film.
Given the public's fear of radiation an apron should have been offered, even
though it wasn't necessary. This simple practice can alay fear in patients
and prevent a lot of trouble for the x-ray provider in the future.
The geometry of the machine I see is such that the tube head can move from
90 degrees perpendicular to the floor to only about 50 degrees. So the
primary beam is, for the most part, pointed toward the floor. If the unit
you saw is restricted to this type of movement, shielding in the walls is
not likely necessary.
Regards,
David Englehart B.S.
Diagnostic Imaging Specialist
Medical Physics Services Ltd.
Department of Radiation Oncology
6150 Oakland Ave.
St. Louis, Mo.63139
tel. (314)768-3608
fax (314)768-5646
----- Original Message -----
From: "Thomas M Lashley" <lashleyt@DTEENERGY.COM>
To: "Parry, Don (CIS)" <dparry@michigan.gov>
Cc: <radsafe@list.vanderbilt.edu>; <sloanpb@BELLSOUTH.NET>
Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2004 6:34 AM
Subject: Re: X-Rays at Podiatrist Office
> Were the technicians wearing dosimetry? Most states require the operator
of x-ray machines to wear dosimetry. However, after talking to a dental
student here in Michigan, the school doesn't monitor their students.
>
> Tom Lashley
> mailto:LashleyT@DTEenergy.com
>
>
> "Parry, Don (CIS)" wrote:
>
> > While the risk is low, the practice described is not good health physics
and in most states would be contrary to their regulations. Most states
would require operators to stand at least 6 feet away or behind an
appropriate shield. The apron is likely not required by regulation since
the primary beam is not in the gonadal region, however some states recommend
their use in both podiatry and dentistry. Shielding is another issue
dependent on the particular state regulations. If the primary beam is
directed towards an interior occupied area, I believe most states would
require some shielding in that wall.
> >
> > This machine would be regulated by the state government, if you have
concerns I would contact them. links to various state programs can be found
at www.CRCPD.org or at our web site below
> >
> > Don
> >
> > Donald E. Parry, CHP
> > Health Physicist
> > Radiation Safety Section
> > Michigan Department of Community Health
> > Phone : 517-241-1989 Fax: 517-241-1981
> > mailto:dparry@michigan.gov
> > Web Site: www.michigan.gov/rss
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: owner-radsafe@list.vanderbilt.edu
> > [mailto:owner-radsafe@list.vanderbilt.edu]On Behalf Of John Jacobus
> > Sent: Tuesday, March 09, 2004 1:54 PM
> > To: radsafe@list.vanderbilt.edu; sloanpb@BELLSOUTH.NET
> > Subject: Re: X-Rays at Podiatrist Office
> >
> > I would suggest that you submit this question to the
> > Health Physics Society's "Ask the Expert" Web site at
> > http://hps.org/publicinformation/asktheexperts.cfm
> >
> > The short answer is that there is little if any risk,
> > but I think you would like a more than that.
> >
> > --- iradi8 <sloanpb@BELLSOUTH.NET> wrote:
> > > I recently had a series of foot x-rays done in a
> > > podiatrist's office. The person doing the x-rays was
> > > training a brand new assisstant. Neither seemed to
> > > have any knowledge whatsoever about what they were
> > > doing. I was not asked if I was pregnant -- I am a
> > > woman of childbearing age. I was not offered an
> > > apron which they do at the dentist (not that I feel
> > > that I really needed it). They stood right next to
> > > the head of the x-ray machine while taking all three
> > > films. Actually, the head of the machine was within
> > > 6 inches of her pelvis. The new assisstant was told
> > > that they could stay in the room for all x-rays --
> > > that the dose is so low that it is safe. That is
> > > what the "x-ray guy who works on the machine" said.
> > > I was taken aback by all of this! Could someone
> > > please enlighten me as to whether this is okay? I am
> > > sure it is not! Also, the machine is not in an
> > > enclosed room -- the restroom door is within 6 feet
> > > of it and an exam room on the other side of the
> > > wall. Shouldn't there be shielding -- I wonder if
> > > there is?
> > >
> > > Thanks so much.
************************************************************************
You are currently subscribed to the Radsafe mailing list. To
unsubscribe, send an e-mail to Majordomo@list.vanderbilt.edu Put the
text "unsubscribe radsafe" (no quote marks) in the body of the e-mail,
with no subject line. You can view the Radsafe archives at
http://www.vanderbilt.edu/radsafe/