A more accurate and safer method for the measurement of scattered radiation in X-ray examination rooms.

Abstract

Advancements in and increasing usage of complex diagnostic examinations with interventional procedures and surgeries has led to an increase in the occupational radiation doses received by physicians and other medical staff. Measuring the scattered radiation doses received by these staff is vital for the development-effective radiation protection programs. In this study, we measured scattered doses during angiography and digital breast tomosynthesis examinations with small-type dosimeters using our jungle gym (JG) method with measurement points at 50-cm intervals. The results were compared with measurements taken using the conventional ion chamber method. The JG method uses paper pipe tubes and a plastic joint structure and allows measurements at different points inside an examination room. The difference between measurements can be attributed to the radiation absorption characteristics of the components used in the JG method. A maximum radiation dose reduction of 20% was observed due to absorption by the JG components. This effect was smaller than the measurement error produced because of reproducibility issues and other limitations of the conventional method. The conventional measurement has disadvantages that are associated with the reproducibility of measurement points, equipment load, and the radiation exposure experienced by the measurer. The proposed JG method exhibits significant improvements in all these aspects. Furthermore, the measurer does not have to be present in the measurement room; therefore, the JG method is extremely safe and useful for radiation protection.