The hazards from the increasing use of ionizing radiations. II. The dose to the operator and patient in x-ray diagnostic procedures.

Abstract

The original aim of protective measures in diagnostic radiology was to prevent the relatively immediate production of radiation damage as judged by the appearance of an erythema, desquamation, epilation or a frank necrosis. When it was appreciated that radiation effects were in some way cumulative it was deemed advisable to reduce the dose to the operator in order that skin lesions might not develop in the future. The production of temporary or permanent sterility in the operator was next considered and resulted in further protective measures. Apart from avoiding the possibility of “burns” or at least erythemata, I think it is fair to say that the protection of the patient has received but slight attention until comparatively recently. In general the view has been held that since the patient only receives the dose once it does not matter. For some years there have been very few instances of patients or operators being accidentally “burnt” (Hultberg, 1949), though there must be many near the critical level...