Determination of scattered radiation dose for radiological staff during portable chest examinations of COVID-19 patients

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a large increase in the number of patients admitted to hospitals. Radiological technologists (RTs) are often required to perform portable chest X-ray radiography on these patients. Normally, when performing a portable X-ray, radiation protection equipment is critical as it reduces the scatter radiation dose to hospital workers. However, during the pandemic, the use of a lead shield caused a heavy weight burden on workers who were responsible for a large number of patients. This study aimed to investigate scatter radiation doses received at various distances, directions, and positions. Radiation measurements were performed using the PBU-60 whole body phantom to determine scatter radiation doses at 100-200 cm and eight different angles around the phantom. The tests were conducted with and without lead shielding. Additionally, the doses were compared using the paired t test (p < 0.005) to determine suitable positions for workers who did not wear lead protection that adhered to radiation safety requirements. Scatter radiation doses of all 40 tests showed a highest and lowest value of 1285.5 nGy at 100 cm in the anteroposterior (AP) semi upright position and 134.7 nGy at 200 cm in the prone position, respectively. Correlation analysis between the dosimeter measurement and calculated inverse square law showed good correlation, with an R 2 value of 0.99. Without lead shielding, RTs must stay at a distance greater than 200 cm from patients for both vertical and horizontal beams to minimize scatter exposure. This would allow for an alternative way of performing portable chest radiography for COVID-19 patients without requiring lead shielding.

The use of designed E-book to improve a concept understanding and practical skill on a mammography machine quality control among radiological technologist students

“…The data collected were quantitatively analyzed to identify that the e-book can improve knowledge, recognition and practical skill for mammography machine QC. The percentage difference (%Diff) of the test's score between the control and experimental groups was calculated (Equation 1) (Moonkum et al, 2023). Students pair t-test statistics were calculated to determine a significant difference in comparing the use of e-book with the regular technique.…”

Scatter Radiation Distribution to Radiographers, Nearby Patients and Caretakers during Portable and Pediatric Radiography Examinations

“…X-ray tube voltage (kVp) and the patient thickness have position correlations for the ratio between intensities of scatter and incident radiation [1]. Nevertheless, it is an important radiation exposure dose issue to radiological staff in various radiological modalities including general and portable X-rays [2]. This issue received more concerns among interventional radiologists and cardiologists as the scatter radiation dose may cause adverse cataract events [3].…”

“…However, the irregularity of scatter radiation may reduce the effects of radiation dose reduction by increasing distance as pointed out by a recent study [6]. For the use of shielding, it has been commonly found that physical shielding has not been used in ward settings due to weight and mobility concerns [2]. Therefore, scatter radiation in portable X-rays may affect nearby patients significantly due to proximity to the exposed patient and lack of physical shielding.…”