Precautionary Measures

The Premises

• The constructional factors to be considered in the selection of particular part of a veterinary hospital for undertaking radiography are discussed on p. 88. The essential requirements is that X-ray examinations should be undertaken only in a clearly marked and suitable room in which there is no likelihood of the entry of unauthorized persons during the procedure of the irradiation of nearby workers.

• Entry to the room should be restricted by notices, by displaying the international radiation symbol and by warning lights which are linked to the X-ray apparatus and are illuminated when exposure are being made.

Equipments

• New X-ray apparatus obtained from a reputable dealers or manufacturer will have been designed to comply with safety requirements.

• The fitting of a light beam diaphragm to any new or old X-ray machine facilitates visualization of the primary beam and contributes greatly to the safe use of such apparatus.

The Aprons

• Aprons are designed to protect the body against scattered radiation and should be of a minimum of 0.25 mm lead equivalent for voltages of up to K.V. The materials usually used are lead-rubber covered with cloth, or plastic impregnated with metallic lead.

The Lead-Rubber Gloves

• The standard gloves which offer full protection are not very flexible and it is most difficult to hold small animals when wearing them.

• A number of devices are employed in which the hands are free, but covered by hand shields, cuffs or sheets of lead rubber.

The Care of Protective Clothing

• A peons should be hung when not in use either on a pair of stout hooks or on a protective hanger of no less than 3 cm in diameter. They should never be folded as this will cause the lead-rubber to crack .

• Gloves should be examined periodically for cracks around the fingers by placing them on a film cassette and irradiating them by a strong exposure. The film should be developed, and if cracks are found the gloves should be discarded. Cracks can be missed by a visual inspection.

• The leather outer covers can usually be removed for cleaning. It is pleasanter in warm weather to wear a pair of cotton inner gloves.

The Safety Routine

• Decide if radiographic investigation is justified (owners often demand unnecessary X-ray examinations).

• Decide whether, in the best interests of the patient and of the staff, the animal should be anaesthetized, sedated or manually restrained.

Remove all unnecessary persons from the room

• Check all that essential personal are wearing protective clothing, and that they understand the part they are expected to play in the examination.

• Check that the primary beam will be collimated to the required field and directed so that it will not irradiate people in adjacent rooms.

• See that all assistants are poisoned as far as possible from the primary beam and will not be exposed to it.

• Press the button and make the exposure.

The estimation of exposure

• The aim of the radiographer must always be to select those exposure factors, which, in conjunction with the radiographic apparatus and technique employed, will produce a radiograph showing optimum visualization of the part under examination. Top