Tips for Maximizing Radiation Awareness
DEXA machines are modern medical marvels. Capable of determining vital health factors such as bone density and visceral fat percentage, using a DEXA can help guide life-saving wellness efforts.
Behind that power, though, is technology that requires careful handling: x-rays.
For patients, the amount of radiation utilized by a DEXA is minimal. A bone density scan used on a female patient requires approximately the same amount of radiation she would encounter from being outside for three hours.
For staff performing multiple procedures per day, however, it’s important to maintain an appropriate level of radiation awareness. Here are several suggestions that can contribute to an official office policy.
PLEASE NOTE: View the following suggestions as a supplement to, not a replacement for, radiation protection guidelines applicable manufacturer, medical, and government institutions provide.
Right-Size Space
Place the operator’s station at least:
- Three (3) feet away from a pencil beam
- Six (6) feet away from a fan-beam
- Twelve (12) feet away from older models
- Creating and promoting a checklist when it comes to handling the steps, tasks, and subtasks associated with operating the DEXA
- Making sure experts conduct periodic calibration and constancy checks of beams and sources
- Ensuring regular maintenance of the DEXA equipment
- Arranging for robust staff training
- Eliminating reliance on poor communication (illegible handwritten notes, for example)
- Share your badge with other operators
- Expose badges to radiation intentionally
- Wear a badge during a personal medical x-ray session