Xray safely
Posted on Wednesday, May 30 @ 21:10:34 BST by jenvetadmin
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jenvetnurse writes "I would be interested in people comments regarding how the veterinary profession can affect our health.
How often do you hold animals for radiographs? Do you find it often falls on the same person to take xrays as they are good at it? I know it is something which we are advised not to do but almost every practice I have locumed at I have witnesses vets or nurses holding animals. Usually it is just to save a bit of time to get that perfect positioning. There should be no need for it however with an anaesthetised animal it should be straight forward to use ties and positioning aids to get that perfect picture. The more you do it the better you get.
Here are some simple measures that can be used if it is necessary to hold animals for x-raying:
Collimate well so that the area is as small as possible.
Stand at least 2 metres away.
Use a lead screen, lead gown and gloves as necessary. Don't forget to use thyroid protectors.
X-ray your protective clothing from time to time to ensure there are no signs of wear and tear.
Always wear dosimeters and make sure they sent away to the NRPB as recommended. Make one person responsible for them.
Have a lead lined table and if possible surrounding walls.
Ensure the x-rays taken are necessary and try to get them right first time to avoid repeating them.
Use the correct plates, films and have good dark-room techniques again to reduce repeated unnecessary x-rays being taken.
Keep an accurate log of all x-rays taken and see that the staffs are sharing the amount between them.
Do not allow staff to become complacent with x-rays.
Always give a warning before pressing the exposure button i.e. x-rays to warn others to keep away.
Remember x-rays can induce the formation of cancer and genetic defects.
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