How are radiology techs protected against radiation?

Question

I know they have a badge that tracks how much they have been exposed to, but what other percautions make the profession safe? Are you still exposed to more that the average person even with the precautions? I know next to nothing, so start at the bottom.

Also, can you work while pregnant? Could you harm your fetus if you work for a few weeks and don't realize you have a bun in the oven?

Answer 1

For most x-ray studies, radiologic technologists leave the room during the actual exposure. We are protected by a leaded wall/window. If we are in the room for certain exams, such as fluoroscopy, we wear leaded aprons, and we stand behind the radiologist! X-rays do not remain in a room after an exposure. There is no residual radiation. Once the x-ray exposure is terminated, there is no danger.

"There are two things you can consider to reduce your dose. One is to step away from the point where the x-ray beam is interacting with the patient. Being able to step away just a foot or two up or down the side of the table can reduce your exposure by a factor of 10. Another way to reduce your exposure is to stand on the image intensifier side of the x-ray unit, not the side of the x-ray tube. Most of the radiation being emitted from the tube and interacting with the patient is scattered right back at the tube so there is more exposure if you stand by the tube."

http://hps.org/publicinformation/ate/q6483.html

For portable examinations, such as chest x-rays in ICU, we stand about 6 feet away from the x-ray beam. Distance is key in reducing exposure. The primary x-ray beam is never directed at the technologist. Radiation does not fly all willy nilly around a room. X-rays are highly directed beams of radiation which expose only the area of interest....ie: the patient.

I worked throughout my pregnancy doing x-rays. If you follow the rules (and who wouldn't?), there is no danger. My radiation badge, used to monitor my exposure, has always read ZERO, after 15 years in the field.

Answer 2

Radiology technicians leave the room and wear lead aprons during any procedure. The controls are typically in an area away from the patient and the machines, protected by a lead-centered wall and glass panel.
Working while pregnant is not recommended, but if proper precautions are taken there is usually no harm to the fetus for the first few weeks. After that, you are typically assigned to other tasks until the bambino has arrived.

Answer 3

"A well-run radiology department is a very risk-free environment in which to work. No one is given an assignment that puts one at risk. The monthly exposures are frequently zero or very low. All the staff members who are potentially exposed wear film badges to make certain that they are not exposed above certain levels. For instance, if you are taking a chest x ray, you are in another room and receive no exposure. If you are helping with a fluoroscopy, you wear a lead apron and the fetus is protected. Remember the x-ray beam is coned and is never directed at the radiologist or the technician."

Time, distance, and shielding are our friends :)