Concerns over radiation safety are valid. Understanding and maintaining safe administration helps patients understand the potential risks during endovascular procedures. Show MethodsX-ray production, units of radiation exposure, and forms of direct and indirect exposures are discussed. ResultsPositioning of the image intensifier as close to the patient as practical, moving the x-ray tube as far from the patient as possible, and using pulse fluoroscopy are all ways to help decrease the radiation dose. Collimation, achievable without the use of fluoroscopy, improves image quality while decreasing the radiation dose. Time, distance, and shielding are the three most productive means of reducing radiation exposure. ConclusionThe best defense against radiation injury to both patient and staff is to minimize the total fluoroscopy time, keep the image intensifier close to the patient, collimate to the region of interest, and use appropriate radiation shielding and monitoring.
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Competition of interest: none. The editors and reviewers of this article have no relevant financial relationships to disclose per the JVS policy that requires reviewers to decline review of any manuscript for which they may have a competition of interest. Background radiationRadiation that is always in the environment. The majority of background radiation occurs naturally and a small fraction comes from man-made elements., coming primarily from natural minerals, is around us all the time. Fortunately, there are very few situations where an average person is exposed to uncontrolled sources of radiation above background. Nevertheless, it is wise to be prepared and know what to do if such a situation arises.One of the best ways to be prepared is to understand the radiation protection principles of time, distance and shielding. During a radiological emergency (a large release of radioactive material into the environment), we can use these principles to help protect ourselves and our families. On this page: Time, Distance and ShieldingTime, distance, and shielding actions minimize your exposure to radiation in much the same way as they would to protect you against overexposure to the sun:
Radiation EmergenciesIn a large scale radiological release, such as a nuclear power plant accident or terrorist incident, the following advice has been tested and proven to provide maximum protection. If a radiation emergency occurs, you can take actions to protect yourself, your loved ones and your pets: Get Inside, Stay Inside and Stay Tuned. Follow the advice of emergency responders and officials. Get InsideIn a radiation emergency you may be asked to get inside a building and take shelter for a period of time.
Stay InsideStaying inside will reduce your exposure to radiation.
Stay TunedEmergency officials are trained to respond to disaster situations and will provide specific actions to help keep people safe.
Where to go in a Radiation EmergencyView the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's video, “Where to Go in a Radiation Emergency” below, or visit the CDC Radiation Emergencies website for additional information. ResourcesLearn more about protecting yourself from radiation:
If you identify or come in contact with a radioactive source, locate and contact your state radiation control office. Which is the best way of reducing radiation exposure to the patient?For reducing radiation exposure, there are 3 principals: time, distance, and shielding.. Time. Radiation exposure can be accumulated over the time of exposure. ... . Distance. A greater distance from the radiation source can reduce radiation exposure. ... . Shielding.. What are the primary methods for reducing radiation exposure?ALARA means avoiding exposure to radiation that does not have a direct benefit to you, even if the dose is small. To do this, you can use three basic protective measures in radiation safety: time, distance, and shielding.
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