Radiation Shielding for Radiology Equipment

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Sensible Solutions for Refurbished Radiology
Radiation Shielding for Radiology Equipment
By Vikki Harmonay
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Sensible Solutions for Refurbished Radiology
Are you preparing to install new X-Ray equipment
at your hospital, urgent care, practice, medical
facility or veterinary clinic? There are many
elements and requirements to consider for this,
and they vary from state to state. ECRI Director
of Operations for Device Evaluation Jason
Launders said, Shielding calculations are quite
complex and require a number of assumptions to be
made, and it is really important the source of
radiation is understood and everything has been
taken into account.
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Sensible Solutions for Refurbished Radiology
The National Council on Radiation Protection and
Measurements (NCRP) has recommendations for
radiation shielding designs. NCRP reports 147 and
148 are ideal for diagnostic imaging and NCRP 151
is for radiation therapy. Most physicists choose
to base their designs on those national
recommendations. NCRP 147 and 148 recommend that
X-Ray shielding be confirmed by a qualified
expert after your install, but most states do not
have this requirement. The rules are stricter for
fluoroscopy, CT and radiation therapy.
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Sensible Solutions for Refurbished Radiology
Requirements are vary from state to state. For
example, Georgia requires shielding designs be
submitted for approval but it can be done before,
during or after construction. Iowa and South
Carolina require shielding designs to be
submitted before construction and Colorado
doesnt require submitted approval but an
approved expert from the state has to have the
design on file. Illinois requires shielding
designs for CT and other X-ray equipment, but not
for chiropractic offices.
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Sensible Solutions for Refurbished Radiology
This makes it challenging for those preparing to
install medical imaging equipment. You cant
depend on national vendors to know all the
requirements from state to state. Thats why you
need to reach out to a physicist to make sure
what your state requires. This can save you money
and headaches.
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Sensible Solutions for Refurbished Radiology
What to Consider When Choosing Shielding Material
When selecting shielding material, its important
to consider space, source strength and
attenuation. Today, the main shielding materials
used in construction include gypsum, lead or
drywall and concrete, which often includes added
materials to increase the attenuation. Lead is
idea for smaller spaces but for high doses, you
should choose a high-density concrete. Its less
expensive but does take more room. Lead is
usually associated with toxicity concerns, but
its not a problem once it is sealed inside the
walls. Lead is stable and doesnt release any
toxic gases. The downside of lead? When its time
to move, close or renovate your operation, lead
has to be removed in a specific manner.
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Sensible Solutions for Refurbished Radiology
There is also a polymer-based shielding material
that can be a replacement for lead sheets. It can
be a cost-effective alternative to lead
shielding. The sheets are installed on walls with
adhesive backing. Its also used to make
curtains, shielded vests, barriers, nuclear
medicine vials and interlocking bricks to provide
thicker shielding. The higher the energy, the
more shielding is required. If your linear
accelerator has a maximum photo energy above 10
megavolts, your machines is producing neurons.
Lead-type shielding is great for photons, but
terrible for neutrons. Make sure you are aware of
photon and neutron attenuation so the right type
of shielding can be selected.
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Sensible Solutions for Refurbished Radiology
The design process can take as long as 2-4 years,
so its important to get it right. You should
also factor in worst case scenario options.
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Sensible Solutions for Refurbished Radiology
Talk To An Expert
There are so many decisions to make when
selecting medical imaging equipment. You want to
avoid costly mistakes and know the options for
getting the performance and warranties you need,
at the most affordable cost. Talk to the experts
at Atlantis Worldwide. Our clients have trusted
us for 28 years! Contact Us Today!
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Sensible Solutions for Refurbished Radiology
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Sensible Solutions for Refurbished Radiology

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