1. Mobile Fluoroscopy

2. Structural Provisions
Structural shielding requirements for fluoroscopic units are for
scattered radiation shielding and are generally minimal
since the entire x-ray beam is intercepted by the image receptor
Structural shielding = radiation attenuation material built into the walls of the room
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
Certain regulatory provisions to note:

3. Equipment Provisions (C-arm)
Use spacer attached to tube/collimator assembly on c-arm so that the machine cannot be operated at a source -to-skin distance of less than 30cm (12 inches)
Image intensification must be provided
(Conventional fluoroscopic screens are 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
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
Dose Rate: 5 rads/min
Distance: 30cm

4. Equipment Provisions (C-arm)
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 millirads/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

5. 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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Presented by
Based on:
Syllabus on Fluoroscopy Radiation Protection, 6th Rev.
By: Radiologic Health Branch – Certification Unit