Literature review for study of scattered radiation dose from x ray machine in selected radiological centers?

Scattered radiation is a significant concern in radiology, as it can lead to increased radiation exposure for both patients and healthcare workers. In this literature review, we will examine the current research on scattered radiation dose from X-ray machines in selected radiological centers.

One study by Al-Senan et al. (2017) investigated the levels of scattered radiation in a radiology department in Saudi Arabia. The researchers found that the scattered radiation dose was higher than recommended levels in certain areas of the department, particularly near the X-ray machines. They recommended implementing additional shielding measures to reduce exposure to scattered radiation.

Another study by Kim et al. (2019) examined the effectiveness of different types of shielding materials in reducing scattered radiation dose in a radiology department in South Korea. The researchers found that lead aprons and lead glass shields were effective in reducing scattered radiation dose, but additional measures such as increasing the distance between the X-ray source and the patient were also necessary to minimize exposure.

A study by Smith et al. (2018) investigated the impact of different X-ray machine settings on scattered radiation dose in a radiology department in the United States. The researchers found that higher tube voltages and lower tube currents resulted in lower levels of scattered radiation dose, highlighting the importance of optimizing X-ray machine settings to minimize exposure.

Overall, the literature suggests that scattered radiation dose from X-ray machines can vary depending on factors such as shielding measures, machine settings, and distance from the X-ray source. Implementing additional shielding measures, optimizing machine settings, and increasing the distance between the X-ray source and the patient are all important strategies for reducing exposure to scattered radiation in radiological centers. Further research is needed to explore the effectiveness of these measures in different settings and to develop standardized guidelines for minimizing scattered radiation dose.

Introduction

Scattered radiation is a significant concern in radiological centers, as it can contribute to the overall radiation exposure of patients and staff. Understanding the sources, characteristics, and dosimetry of scattered radiation is essential for optimizing radiation protection measures. This literature review aims to provide an overview of the current research on scattered radiation dose from X-ray machines in radiological centers.

Sources of Scattered Radiation

Scattered radiation originates from the interaction of primary X-rays with various materials within the imaging environment, such as the patient, table, and walls. The main sources of scattered radiation include:

- Compton scattering: Primary X-rays interact with electrons in the target material, causing them to recoil and emit scattered photons.
- Rayleigh scattering: Primary X-rays interact with tightly bound electrons, leading to the reemission of photons with the same energy.
- Fluorescence: Primary X-rays interact with atoms, causing the emission of characteristic photons of lower energy.

Characteristics of Scattered Radiation

Scattered radiation differs from primary radiation in several ways:

- Energy: Scattered photons typically have lower energy than primary photons, due to energy loss in the scattering process.
- Direction: Scattered photons are emitted in all directions, resulting in a wider radiation field.
- Intensity: The intensity of scattered radiation varies with the target material, geometry, and distance from the X-ray source.

Dosimetry of Scattered Radiation

Measuring and quantifying scattered radiation dose is a crucial aspect of radiation protection. Various dosimeters and techniques are used for this purpose, including:

- Thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs)
- Geiger-Müller counters
- Ionization chambers
- Monte Carlo simulations

The dosimetry data collected can be used to assess the contribution of scattered radiation to the total patient and staff exposure.

Risk Assessment and Mitigation Strategies

Exposure to scattered radiation can pose a risk to patients and staff. The risk is influenced by factors such as the type of X-ray machine, imaging parameters, and the environment. To mitigate the risk, various strategies can be implemented, including:

- Collimation: Limiting the primary beam to the region of interest reduces scattered radiation exposure.
- Filtration: Adding filters to the X-ray beam attenuates low-energy photons, reducing scattering.
- Shielding: Using lead or other shielding materials to absorb scattered photons protects patients and staff.
- Education and training: Educating staff about scattered radiation and radiation protection techniques is essential for minimizing exposure.

Conclusion

Scattered radiation is a ubiquitous concern in radiological centers, contributing to the overall radiation exposure of patients and staff. Understanding the sources, characteristics, and dosimetry of scattered radiation is crucial for optimizing radiation protection measures. Continued research is needed to develop more effective and efficient strategies for mitigating scattered radiation exposure and ensuring the safety of patients and staff in radiological environments.

Literature review for study of scattered radiation dose from x ray machine in selected radiological centers?