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I N T R A O P
I M A G I N G
LESS IS MORE
he says, is not defined.
How Low Is Low Enough?
Dr. Giordano, an assistant
professor of orthopedics at
the University of Rochester
Medical School in New York,
firmly believes "this is a flaw
SAFETY SHIELDS Staff and
physicians must wear proper protection during all imaging procedures, even when the lowest possible exposure is achieved.
in our appreciation for
patient-related safety factors,
although there isn't a strong
causal link between certain
R
adiation safety rules emphasize that dosages and type of effect."
exposure should be ALARA (as low
as reasonably achievable). For
Whatever the lack of data, staff must
ensure their own safety while also closely
healthcare workers it gets more specific.
monitoring and protecting patients from
OSHA and other entities recommend expo-
overexposure to radiation during proce-
sure of no more than 5 rads (energy impart-
dures involving fluoroscopy. Dr. Giordano
ed per unit mass of tissue) per minute in the
suggests you dial down C-arm doses in
direct beam. However, orthopedic surgeon
order to capture images that, while not as
Brian D. Giordano, MD, who uses the C-arm
sharp as possible, provide surgeons with
in many of his procedures, points out that
the views they need to perform successful
healthcare professionals have defined radi-
surgery.
ation limits "because we're exposed to pro-
— Gail O. Guterl
tracted radiation that can be cumulative
over a lifetime." The dose limit for patients,
in mind the trinity of imaging safety:
in their care remain protected from
time, distance and shielding. Read on
fluoroscopy's invisible dangers.
for practical ways to reduce exposure
1. Always wear protection.
risks and ensure your staff and those
Wear aprons, lead glasses with side
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SUPPLEMENT
TO
O U T PAT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E | A U G U S T 2013
