Navigating Scatter Radiation for Healthcare Professionals
When considering a healthcare career, specifically in spaces that require diagnostic imaging solutions, it's essential to understand the effects of scatter radiation and what measures must be taken to protect yourself and the rest of the medical staff.
Radiation Exposure in Interventional Suites
The radiation used in radiology procedures is X-rays, a form of ionizing radiation. This ionizing radiation can eventually cause harmful stochastic effects with prolonged exposure.
Risks of Scatter C-arm Radiation to Medical Teams
Studies have shown an increased risk for various cancers, specifically brain cancer, in healthcare workers occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation. Now more alarming studies find other health risks.**
Safe Exposure Limits
Current standards in the United States by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) allow for the following amounts of exposure in three months:
- Whole body – 1 ¼ rem
- Hands, forearms, feet, and ankles – 18 ¾ rem
- The skin of the whole body – 7 ½ rem
Read These Industry Articles
Enhancing Radiation Safety Culture: Investigating the Mediating Role of Awareness Among Orthopedic Doctors and Operation Theatre Assistants
Update on Radiation Safety in the Cath Lab – Moving Toward a “Lead-Free” Environment
Occupational Safety in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory
Shifting the Paradigm for Healthcare Workers’ Protection
Recommendations for Occupational Radiation Protection in Interventional Cardiology
The Growth of Advanced Radiation Protection Solutions on the Market
The need for advanced radiation protection technologies is expanding as a reaction to the growing awareness of the risks of radiation exposure during medical procedures. Have a look at Radiaction Medical in the News.
Protection for the Healthcare Team
Using lead aprons, glasses, and gloves has been the current preventative measure to protect healthcare workers from radiation exposure. Other shielding technologies are often used but may only offer partial protection to the treating physician and limited protection to the rest of the medical team.
Novel Solution To Radiation Exposure
The Radiaction Dynamic Smart Shield significantly reduces scatter radiation in the procedure room by an average of 90%, ensuring the safety of medical staff.* There’s no need to continuously add more lead weight, which can lead to orthopedic issues. Experience comprehensive radiation protection with Radiaction—we provide the level of protection you need.
*Measurements were conducted using Radcal ion chambers and solid-state sensors in a demonstration cath lab at four positions around the C-arm, which represent typical locations for cath lab personnel. For each position, measurements were taken at pelvis/lower body height and head/neck height. A RANDO® anthropomorphic male phantom was utilized to simulate a patient and generate scatter.
Dose rates were measured and compared between the same positions with and without Radiaction’s shield system and without any other radiation protection equipment. Measurements were taken at various C-arm angles, ranging from AP to 80° LAO and 30° RAO, as well as from 30° CRA to 30° CAUD, covering a total of 44 different angles. At each angle, three dose rate measurements were recorded. The average dose rate reduction was calculated for each angle and sensor position, and an overall average reduction was then computed for all measurements taken.
System Features
*Laish-Farkash A, et al. EuroIntervention 2022;18:262-266.
**Grazia Andreassi M, Piccaluga E, Guagliumi G, et al. Occupational Health Risks in Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Workers. Circulation Cardiovascular Interventions. 2016; e003273 9 4, doi:10.1161/CIRCINTERVENTIONS.115.003273