Radiation protection in mobile radiography.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to review medical literature regarding patient, occupational and other persons radiation protection during mobile examinations in order identify the methods of radiation protection which would reduce the dose received. As a result it was possible to have a set of guidelines written. The literature search was carried through the Medline and Cinahl databases, and the internet. Keywords used in order to find information required included 'mobile radiography', 'radiation protection', 'dose management' and 'dose optimization'. Literature findings have shown that there are four basic principles in radiation protection. These are avoidance of the direct beam, time, distance and shielding. Apart from these principles there are other ways and means that protection can be applied when performing a mobile examination. These include communication with the patient and adjustment in the positioning of the patient in case of patient radiation protection. Distance from the source of radiation helps in protection for the radiographer and also in the case of others present in the wards. In the general hospital in Malta there are no guidelines for radiation protection in mobile radiography, therefore based on the evidence from the literature research a list of recommended guidelines are proposed.