precautions while using x rays

Precautions while using X Rays

X-rays are forms of radiant energy,medical procedures, x-rays are safe when used with care.
31. before having the X ray
If you re pregnant or think you might be, speak up. You may be told to skip the X ray. If you ve had an X ray of this part of your body before, old X rays can be compared with the new ones to determine change. If you have any metal in the part of your body being X rayed, say something. Metal items can block part of the image. Try to stay calm during the X ray process. If you move, you ll probably have to repeat the test.
32. What are x rays and what do they do
X rays are forms of radiant energy, like light or radio waves. Unlike light, x rays can penetrate the body, which allows a radiologist to produce pictures of internal structures. The radiologist can view these on photographic film or on a TV or computer monitor. X ray examinations provide valuable information about your health and play an important role in helping your doctor make an accurate diagnosis. In some cases x rays are used to assist with the placement of tubes or other devices in the body or with other therapeutic procedures.
33. Measuring radiation dosage
The scientific unit of measurement for radiation dose, commonly referred to as effective dose, is the millisievert (mSv) Other radiation dose measurement units include rad, rem, roentgen, sievert, and gray. Because different tissues and organs have varying sensitivity to radiation exposure, the actual radiation risk to different parts of the body from an x ray procedure varies. The term effective dose is used when referring to the radiation risk averaged over the entire body.The effective dose accounts for the relative sensitivities of the different tissues exposed. More importantly, it allows for quantification of risk and comparison to more familiar sources of exposure that range from natural background radiation to radiographic medical procedures.
34. X rays over your lifetime
The decision to have an x ray exam is a medical one, based on the likelihood of benefit from the exam and the potential risk from radiation. For low dose examinations, usually those that involve only films taken by a technologist, this is generally an easy decision. For higher dose exams such as computed tomography (CT) scans and those involving the use of contrast Materials (dyes) such as barium or iodine, the radiologist may want to consider your past history of exposure to x rays. If you have had frequent x ray exams and change healthcare providers, it is a good idea to keep a record of your x ray history for yourself. This can help your doctor make an informed decision. It is also very important to tell your doctor if you are pregnant before having an exam that involves the abdomen or pelvic region.
35. General Information
X rays are electromagnetic energy traveling as waves. They are the same as gamma rays except that gamma rays are emitted from the nucleus of an atom while x rays originate in the atoms electron cloud. Analytical x rays are produced by accelerated electrons from a cathode to an anode (target) in an x ray tube.
36. X rays can be very penetrating
X rays can be very penetrating. The voltage of the system indicates how penetrating the x rays will be. The higher the voltage of the generator, the more penetrating the radiation. Just like gamma rays, x rays interact with molecules in the body to produce ion pairs.
37. protect personnel from these penetrating rays
To protect personnel from these penetrating rays, thick, dense material (e.g., lead, steel, etc.) is used as shielding. Certain analytical systems, (e.g., x ray diffraction), have sufficient voltage to produce low energy (e.g., 1 50 keV) or soft x rays. The soft x rays with energies from 1 to 20 keV are absorbed in the first few millimeters of the skin, although for extremities, some of this radiation may also be absorbed to the bone.
38. Excessive exposure from this type of radiation
Excessive exposure from this type of radiation often produces skin reddening at exposures of approximately 300 rem (300,000 mrem) while severe skin burns can result for exposures above 500 rem. Because some types of analytical x ray systems can produce exposure rates between 1000 and 1,000,000 mrem/hr, even short exposures to the beam are capable of producing damage. For that reason, the primary radiation beam must always be contained in a shield.
39. TIME
When you need to use an x ray system, work quickly and efficiently. Experiments should be carefully planned and rehearsed to minimize the exposure time. X rays can be very penetrating. The voltage of the system indicates how penetrating the x rays will be. The higher the voltage of the generator, the more penetrating the radiation. Just like gamma rays, x rays interact with molecules in the body to produce ion pairs.
40. DISTANCE
Because radiation is significantly reduced by distance, remaining at least 6 feet away from an x ray radiation source provides a great deal of protection. When an x ray system is being used, if you are not required to be near the system, move away. Note that many analytical systems use narrow x ray beams. With narrow beams, even being 6 feet away from the system may result in much of the radiation beam being absorbed by your body.