Answer to Question #11472 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Medical and Dental Patient Issues — Pediatric Issues

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

Q

My two-year-old son had four x rays of his forearm. He was sitting on my lap. They provided me with a thyroid shield and a lead apron for my torso, but they provided no shielding for him. Should I be concerned with his gonadal exposure or chest/abdomen scatter exposure?

A

No, there is nothing to worry about because of the radiation. Scattered radiation from the extremity exam would result in negligible dose to your son's torso and gonads. You were provided with a thyroid shield and lead apron because state laws require personal shielding for anyone other than the patient who is in the room during a procedure, regardless of the procedure type.

Kent Lambert, CHP

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