Answer to Question #12042 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Medical and Dental Equipment/Shielding — Shielding

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

Q

While performing portable x rays, do we need to provide thyroid shields to the comforters, particularly in pediatric wards where parents or nurses have to hold the children during exposures?

A

Though not a requirement, it would be a good idea to give people a thyroid collar along with a lead apron when they are holding patients during x-ray examinations. Many countries try to keep radiation doses as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA). If thyroid collars are available, or if they are integrated into the actual lead apron, it makes sense to wear one. If the facility does not have any thyroid collars, however, the apron itself is sufficient.

Another recommendation is to get a family member, as opposed to a health care worker (other x-ray technologist, nurse, etc.), to hold patients. This will avoid having the same person regularly hold patients. Also, the person holding the patient should be an adult (i.e., over 18 years old).

Kennith "Duke" Lovins, CHP

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