X-ray tube operators can be exposed to equal or higher scattered radiation doses to the hand as cassette holders during diagnostic radiographic procedures of the equine vertebral column and limbs

Abstract

OBJECTIVE The objectives of this study were to investigate scattered radiation doses to the hands of equine workers holding the cassette and the x-ray tube by hand, for both limb and vertebral column studies, and to compare the scattered radiation attenuation of lead with radiation protection lead-free gloves. Radiation doses to the hands of the cassette holder in the primary beam were also investigated. SAMPLE A whole-body horse cadaver. PROCEDURES A portable x-ray unit was used to simulate 6 radiographic study types in the horse cadaver. Doses were measured with no shielding and, for cassette holders, with the ion chamber enclosed in a lead glove and a lead-free glove. Thirty exposures were performed for each study view and condition (n = 1,920). RESULTS Mean scattered doses to x-ray unit operators were higher than doses to cassette holders for ungula (hoof), thoracic vertebrae, and lumbar vertebrae studies, whereas doses to cassette holders were higher than doses to x-ray tube operators for studies of the metacarpophalangeal joint (fetlock) and tarsus (hock). Doses did not differ for the stifle joint. Mean percentage decrease in scattered radiation dose was 99.58% with lead gloves and 98.9% with lead-free gloves. CLINICAL RELEVANCE X-ray tube operators can be exposed to equal or higher scattered radiation doses to the hand as cassette holders. Lead-free hand shielding should only be considered as an alternative to lead gloves if their lighter weight increases frequency of use by workers.

ICRP Publication 153: Radiological Protection in Veterinary Practice

“…A recent study simulating exposure from scattered radiation in equine radiography to the hands of workers holding the cassette or the x-ray generator found that doses ranged from 0.26 to 2.64 µGy/study −1 and from 0.84 to 12.09 µGy/study −1 , respectively, without the use of hand shielding. Hand shielding reduced doses by at least 98%, depending on the type of glove used (Belotta et al., 2022). (123) In some cases, such as with interventional radiology, it is necessary for staff to perform a variety of tasks within the radiation field for varying times and at different distances from the source.…”

“…A recent study simulating exposure from scattered radiation in equine radiography to the hands of workers holding the cassette or the x-ray generator found that doses ranged from 0.26 to 2.64 µGy/study −1 and from 0.84 to 12.09 µGy/study −1 , respectively, without the use of hand shielding. Hand shielding reduced doses by at least 98%, depending on the type of glove used (Belotta et al., 2022).…”

A survey of the radiation safety practices of veterinary practitioners during portable equine radiography in Ireland

“…As veterinary staff routinely involved in performing portable equine X-rays also face repeated low-dose exposures in their occupation, ensuring robust radiation safety practices are adhered to is of significant importance to reduce the health risks posed by this. A study on the radiation exposure of personnel involved in obtaining portable X-rays of a horse’s limbs [ 3 ] found that doses to the hands were decreased by a mean of 99.58% with the use of lead gloves and 98.9% with the use of lead-free gloves, demonstrating the efficacy of radiation protective equipment.…”