four properties of x-rays which make the dangers
easily underestimated?
most susceptible cells to ionising radiation?
gonads and young animals
Effects of Radiation?
Somatic Effects of radiation
Reddening of skin
Cracking of skin
Blood disorders
Cataracts
Digestive issues
Carcinogenic Effects
Tumours
Genetic Effects of radiation?
mutated chromosomes
Ionising Radiation Regulations (IRR) 2017
Principles of radiation protection work
Radiography should only be
performed when…?
What does the ‘Guidance Notes for the Safe
Use of Ionising Radiations in
Veterinary Practice’ cover?
Legislation specific to veterinary
premises,
equipment,
personnel
procedures
3 main sources of radiation
How to check for Leakage From The Tube Head?
Tape a non screen film to the tube head, leave for a few
exposures and then process it; any cracks in the tube
head will cause black lines to appear on the film
How Can We Reduce Scattered Radiation? (6)
Responsibility of Suppliers of X-ray machines safety?
Responsibility of Veterinary practice of X-ray safety?
Legal responsibility: Annual service
* Individual staff
RADIATION PROTECTION SUPERVISOR Role?
appointed within the practice
* Responsible for radiography is carried out safely (local rules are obeyed)
* RPS does not need to be present
for every examination
RADIATION PROTECTION ADVISOR role
RPA is appointed outside of practice
* VS with Dip in Vet Radiography
and knowledge of radiation physics
* Medical physicist
* RPA gives advice on radiation protection, controlled areas and Local Rules.
what are local rules?
Set of instructions written by
Radiation Protection Advisor
(RPA)
The Controlled Area must have
ALARP?
As Low As Reasonably Practicable
(The principle of keeping each individual’s dose)
Dose meter testing
Every 4 – 12 weeks
(Reports kept for at least 2 years)
Dosimeter Film Badge
Blue: contains small
pieces of x-ray film
Thermo-Luminescent Dosimeter Badge (TLDB)
Orange/Purple: contain
Lithium Fluoride crystals that
are radiation sensitive
Records of x-ray doses
Are protons positive or negative
Positive