What is Scatter Radiation

Doctor in hospital room explaining x-ray on tablet for senior woman during consultation in clinic room. Medical examination for infections, disease and diagnosis.

X-rays are essential medical imaging tools used all around the world. Since the initial introduction of the device, x-ray imaging has helped saved numerous lives and supported in a variety of essential discoveries within patient bodies.

X-rays are naturally occurring forms of electromagnetic radiation and are produced when a charged particle of enough energy hits a material.

Over the many years that x-rays have been of use, many scientists have shown a certain amount of concern over the health benefits and drawbacks of getting an x-ray. After all, it may not seem like firing radiation at a patient would be a good idea in headlines. But the ultimate question arises; do the benefits of getting an x-ray outweigh the risks of getting one?

Everyone in the world is exposed to a certain amount of radiation on a daily basis. In fact, radioactive material is found everywhere and is unavoidable. While it can be dangerous for individuals to be exposed to too much radiation, using an x-ray shouldn’t exactly be anything to worry about. It has been stated that the benefits of getting an x-ray far outweigh the drawbacks.

Most radiologists are aware that the best thing to do during a patient’s x-ray scan is to stand around six feet away. However, what they may not know is that small amounts of scatter are still created. In fact, in certain instances, this diversified scatter is enough to make a tech’s bones in his/her hand visible in the x-ray.

Digital Radiography Solutions has recently conducted a study to determine how much scatter is created by a chest x-ray. One of the foremost examiners for the study stated that if the tech is in the room, there’s a good chance he/she is getting radiated. While it isn’t as much as they might think, even standing six feet away could have a radiation effect on the tech.

During the study, it was found that even at twelve feet away, there was still enough scattered radiation to penetrate through the tech’s hand to show the bones. According to the National Council on Radiation Protection & Measurements, the average daily radiation exposure for a person is 320 mrem per year. While it may not be much radiation exposure, the study stated that it could add up enough to cause a level of harm.

Professionals recommend that besides wearing a full lead apron with a thyroid shield, other options do exist. Standing behind the tower of a portable x-ray machine between 45 to 90 degrees from the patient could help reduce the amount of exposure the radiologist experiences during every examination.

Performing effective x-ray examinations requires thorough experience and skills. It also requires the right machine. Cheaping out on medical imaging equipment is a dangerous thing to do since cheaper devices often skimp on safety measures.

If you’re looking for the right place to obtain a GE portable x ray machine, Pacific Healthcare Imaging is the place for you. Pacific Healthcare Imaging issues some of the highest-quality used and refurbished medical imaging equipment to make sure patients and operators are comfortable, safe, and receive accurate results. Contact Pacific Healthcare Imaging for inquiries now: https://pacifichealthusa.com/buy-medical-equipment/new-and-used-c-arm-machines/