Radiation Protection
Fluoroscopy during stent placement, pyelography and reconstruction requires a planned staff-protection setup. Use the institution's radiation-safety program and equipment instructions.
Shielding
Choose apron coverage and attenuation with the radiation safety officer or medical physicist. 0.25 mm Pb is not a universal adequate minimum. Lead-free products require verification at the relevant X-ray energies; equal protection and a fixed weight advantage cannot be assumed.
Use suitable thyroid protection and close-fitting protective glasses with lateral shielding, plus correctly positioned room shields. Check apron overlap, storage and periodic integrity testing. Protective gloves do not make direct-beam hand exposure safe and can increase automatic exposure output.[1]
Dosimetry
For interventional work, IAEA recommends two badges: one outside the apron at the collar on the exposed side, and one beneath it on the torso. Their readings require interpretation; an outside badge is not automatically whole-body effective dose. Use eye or ring monitoring when indicated and follow the local wearing/return schedule.[1]
During Exposure
Reduce unnecessary imaging, step back when feasible and use shields. The patient is the main scatter source; favor the detector side during lateral imaging. Exact distance-to-dose reductions depend on geometry. Keep hands outside the primary beam.[1]
See Also
References
1. IAEA and co-sponsoring organizations. Radiation Protection and Safety in Medical Uses of Ionizing Radiation. Specific Safety Guide SSG-46, 2018. Sections 3.79–3.99 and 3.104–3.121. Official guidance.