which is pushing for stronger
regulations for limiting radiation
exposure in health care, sug-
gests you stand as far as possi-
ble from the X-ray source,
which produces the greatest
risk of radiation exposure.
Instead, stand on the side of the
patient where the image intensi-
fier is positioned, especially
when the C-arm is placed later-
ally or obliquely to the patient.
That's not always possible.
During orthopedic or spine pro-
cedures, surgeons might have to
stand close to the X-ray source to place an implant. That's when
wearing proper personal protection becomes even more important.
Position the X-ray source as far as possible from the patient and
the image intensifier as close to the imaging site as possible to
reduce the level of radiation that reaches patients' skin. In addi-
tion, try to avoid imaging anatomy from oblique or lateral posi-
tions to decrease the length radiation must travel through the
patient. Position only those body parts that require imaging in the
C-arm's field.
It's best to use a C-arm's lowest possible dose rate — rates of 10
pulses per second or less will deliver images suitable for perform-
ing most surgeries, says the ICRP — and pulsed fluoroscopy set-
tings to limit the delivered radiation. Newer C-arms sense how
much signal is produced at the image receptor based on the thick-
ness of the target anatomy and adjust exposure parameters such
7 8 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6
• FULL COVERAGE
Wrap-around aprons provide
front-and-back protection.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN
