Outpatient Surgery Magazine

Manager's Guide to Staff & Patient Safety - October 2015

Outpatient Surgery Magazine, providing current information on Surgical Services, Surgical Facility Administration, Outpatient Surgery News and Trends, OR Excellence and more.

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O C T O B E R 2 0 1 5 O U T P A T I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T 6 9 I f you're concerned about the dangers faced by staff who work with C-arms, you'll be interested in AORN's recent update to its Guideline for Radiation Safety, which offers new ideas for protecting surgical personnel from imaging's invisible dangers. Here are some of New Thoughts on Radiation Safety z FAR ENOUGH It's a good idea to stay as far away from the imaging source as possi- ble, but numer- ous studies indi- cate that exposure levels are reduced to safe levels at a distance of 6 feet. Pamela Bevelhymer, RN, BSN A review of the literature adds clarity to the big picture. Byron L. Burlingame, MS, RN, CNOR | Denver, Colo. the highlights. 1. There's no need to leave the room The consequences of radiation exposure may not become apparent for years, but if and when that reckoning occurs, it can be devastating. Most recommendations and standards regarding radi- ation safety are rooted in common sense. For example, OR teams have subscribed for years to the concept of capturing images with ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) exposure. The importance of shielding both practition- ers and patients with pro- tective coverings is wide- ly known. And you likely know that personnel who routinely work around C- arms and other radiologi-

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