Keywords:
Radioprotection / Radiation dose, Professional issues, Radiation physics, Experimental, CT, Radiation safety, Experimental investigations, Technical aspects, Occupational / Environmental hazards, Quality assurance, Dosimetric comparison
Authors:
R. P. P. Almeida, A. Calafate, P. Sousa, S. Rodrigues, L. P. V. Ribeiro, J. P. Pinheiro, K. B. Azevedo, A. F. Abrantes; Faro/PT
DOI:
10.1594/ecr2016/B-0869
Conclusion
In conclusion,
the tertiary radiation is significant and actually contributes to the dose rate with 3,6% of all the scattered radiation considered in the defined place as the position occupied by the individual occupationally exposed in the CT room.
The major contribution of the tertiary radiation comes from the dispersion of the radiation that occurs in the roof,
contributing with 88,4% in the dose rate.
This value decreased abruptly when a lead protection was placed,
which blocked the tertiary radiation.
Regarding the simulation of a real situation of an intervention procedure guided by fluoroscopy,
it was measured an equivalent personal dose through dosimeters and it was verified that the highest values corresponded to anatomic areas like the hand,
the skull and the eye lent,
which do not have any kind of protection.
Therefore,
it can be concluded that the radiologic protection measures usually used by health professionals are suitable for the effect of the tertiary radiation,
being essential the use of the lead apron and the lead glasses.
However,
for the effect of the scattered radiation,
given the significant contribution of the tertiary radiation coming from the roof,
can be suggested the use of lead caps in the head to avoid the harmful long-term effects of this type of radiation.
So,
radiation protection measures are needed to minimize the tertiary scatter radiation effects on health professionals,
especially when performing interventional procedures.