Determination of scattered radiation dose for radiological staff during portable chest examinations of COVID-19 patients

This study aimed to investigate scatter radiation doses received at various distances, directions, and positions. Radiation measurements were performed using the PBU-60 whole body phantom to determine scatter radiation doses at 100 –200 cm and eight different angles around the phantom. The tests were conducted with and without lead shielding. Additionally, the doses were compared using the pairedttest (p <  0.005) to determine suitable positions for workers who did not wear lead protection that adhered to radiation safety requirements. Scatter radiation doses of all 40 tests showed a highest and lowest value of 1285.5 nGy at 100 cm in the anteroposterior (AP) semi upright position and 134.7 nGy at 200 cm in the prone position, respectively. Correlation analysis between the dosimeter measurement and calculated inverse square law showed good correlation, with an R2 value of 0.99. Without lead shielding, RTs must stay at a distance greater than 200  cm from patients for both vertical and horizontal beams to minimize scatter exposure. This would allow for an alternative way of performing portable chest radiography for COVID-19 patients without requiring lead shielding.
Source: Radiological Physics and Technology - Category: Physics Source Type: research