April’s SPR Radiological Protection Study Group was taught by Medical Physics Rochelle Lykawka. The question addressed was “Who should use a personal dosimeter in Surgical Centers?“, as a starting point for the questions present in radiological protection.

She cited the differences between the products of diagnostic radiology (radiation source is the main equipment) and interventional radiology (radiation source is one of the equipment). In addition, she raised several points to consider:

• Exposure to ionizing radiation in a Surgical Center

• Hybrid rooms;
• Surgical arch;
• Mobile x-rays;
• Tomography;
• O-Arm.

• Dosimeter supply for all

• Operational cost;
• Labor cost;
• Service Providers.

• Laws and regulations
• Action planning

• Recognize and describe the sources of radiation

• Surgical arch;
• CT scanner;
• Mobile x-rays;
• O-ARM;
• Angiograph;
• Imaging systems for breast parts;
• Tc-99m – sentinel lymph node;
• Lithotripsy
• Y-90 – liver cancer;
• Etc.

• Controlled areas

• Where are the sources / emitters;
• Who remains in the room?;
• How to proceed in the classroom?;
• How to show control? (Radiometric survey / training).

• Check occupationally exposed individuals
• Process Mapping – risk assessment of exposure to ionizing radiation
• Monitoring program to be part of the radiation protection program

Watch the full lesson: