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Investigation into scatter radiation dose levels received by a restrainer in small animal radiography
Author(s) -
Barber J.,
McNulty J. P.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of small animal practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1748-5827
pISSN - 0022-4510
DOI - 10.1111/j.1748-5827.2012.01257.x
Subject(s) - medicine , radiography , radiation protection , nuclear medicine , cumulative dose , radiation dose , radiation exposure , sedation , lead (geology) , effective dose (radiation) , radiology , medical physics , surgery , geomorphology , geology
Objectives To measure the intensity and distribution of scatter radiation received by a restrainer in veterinary radiography including the intensity of scatter radiation passing through lead protective devices at pre‐defined positions. Methods Anthropomorphic phantoms and a Labrador dog cadaver were used to simulate a restrainer and patient. Scatter dose measurements were recorded at the position of the restraining hands, thyroid, breast and gonads with and without appropriate lead protection. This was repeated for the eight most common projections as identified in an initial retrospective survey. Results Manual restraint of an animal for a radiographic procedure will result in a scatter radiation dose to the restrainer. The level of radiation dose varies between body regions and between projections. The use of appropriate lead protection resulted in statistically significant dose reductions to all body regions with maximum scatter dose reductions between 93 and 100%. Clinical Significance While the doses recorded were small ( μGy ) in terms of associated risk, they are nonetheless cumulative which can result in a more significant dose. Therefore manual restraint should be avoided and forms of immobilisation should be used such as mechanical means, sedation or general anaesthesia. However, if completely necessary both principles of distance and adequate lead protection should be employed.