Mobile Fluoroscopy Based on: Syllabus on Fluoroscopy Radiation Protection, 6th Rev. By: Radiologic Health Branch – Certification Unit PPT created by: Jed Miles, BSRS, RT(R), CRT-CA

Structural Provisions Structural shielding requirements for fluoroscopic units is for scattered radiation shielding and is generally minimal if any, since the entire x-ray beam is intercepted by the image receptor Certain regulatory provisions should be noted If mobile equipment is to be used in one location, shielding must be provided as for a fixed installation If mobile equipment is routinely used in operating rooms, appropriate structural shielding must be provided for these rooms Structural shielding = radiation attenuation material built into the walls of the room

Equipment Provisions (C-arm) Basic regulatory provisions regarding mobile fluoroscopic equipment Inherent provisions must be made so that the machine cannot be operated at a source-to-skin distance of less than 30cm (12 inches) Use spacer attached to tube/collimator assembly on c-arm Image intensification must be provided Conventional fluoroscopic screens not permitted It shall be impossible to energize the useful beam of a mobile fluoroscopic unit unless the entire beam is intercepted by the image receptor

Equipment Provisions (C-arm) Maximum permissible dose rate of 5 rads/min may not be exceeded as measured at 30 cm (12 inches) from input surface of fluoroscopic image assembly Personnel monitoring is required for all persons operating mobile x-ray equipment Protective aprons of a least 0.25 mm lead equivalent must be worn if one is likely to receive 5 millirads/hr or more (notice this one is rads/hour) When observance of motion is not necessary, use of an image storage video disc recorder with “electronic radiography” or “last image hold” will significantly reduce patient and operator exposure

Boost Position or High Level Output Control When a boost position or high level output control button is provided on a mobile fluoroscope to increase the maximum exposure level First: use “normal” fluoro mode to locate and center the area of interest Second: use boost mode only when it is necessary to achieve the quality of image required

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