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Week 3 Discussion

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31 views2 pages

Week 3 Discussion

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api-691667702
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Shielding is crucial for limiting radiation exposure to both medical professionals working with

radiation and patients undergoing radiation procedures in medical settings. The National Council
on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) Report 151 provides guidelines and
recommendations for radiation protection in the medical field.[1]
Primary shielding involves placing dense materials, such as lead or concrete, between the
radiation source and personnel or patients. This shielding attenuates the primary beam of
radiation, reducing the dose to individuals behind the room where radiation is produced. For
example, in linear accelerator rooms, lead-lined walls and doors act as primary shielding,
preventing the escape of X-rays or other ionizing radiation. [1] Secondary shielding addresses
scattered radiation and leakage radiation that may not be fully attenuated by primary shielding.
Scatter radiation occurs when primary radiation interacts with objects in the room and changes
direction. Secondary shielding materials are strategically placed to further reduce exposure.
Calculations for primary and secondary shielding are provided in NCRP report 151. These
calculations depend on the type and energy of the beam, the occupancy of the rooms surrounding
the linear accelerators, the usage of the beam, and the workload, which is the number of patients
treated per week.
In terms of protecting medical personnel and patients from radiation inside treatment rooms,
several methods are employed, including the use of lead aprons, gloves, thyroid shields, and
gonad shields. Lead aprons are commonly used as personal protective equipment for medical
professionals during radiological procedures.[2] These aprons are lined with lead or lead-
equivalent materials and are effective in reducing radiation exposure to the torso and abdominal
area. Lead gloves provide hand protection, while thyroid shields help protect the thyroid gland,
which is particularly sensitive to radiation. [2] Gonad shielding is applied to the reproductive area
to minimize radiation exposure during procedures involving the pelvis or lower abdomen.[3]
In summary, shielding in the medical field is essential to limit radiation doses to both healthcare
professionals and patients. Primary shielding prevents direct exposure to the primary beam,
while secondary shielding, including personal protective equipment such as lead aprons, gloves,
thyroid shields, and gonad shielding, further reduces exposure to scattered and leakage radiation.
Following NCRP guidelines ensures safe and effective radiation protection in medical settings,
promoting the well-being of all involved.

References:
1- NCRP. (2005). NCRP Report No. 151: Structural Shielding Design for Medical X-Ray
Imaging Facilities. National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements.
2- Cheon BK, Kim CL, Kim KR, et al. Radiation safety: a focus on lead aprons and thyroid
shields in interventional pain management. Korean J Pain. 2018;31(4):244-252.
doi:10.3344/kjp.2018.31.4.244 Protection of the patient in diagnostic radiology. A report of
Committee 3 of the International Commission on Radiological Protection. Ann ICRP.
1982;9(2-3):1-82.
3- Protection of the patient in diagnostic radiology. A report of Committee 3 of the International
Commission on Radiological Protection. Ann ICRP. 1982;9(2-3):1-82.

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