Digital radiography (DR) and computerized radiography (CR) have revolutionized veterinary hospitals by making it easier to
capture, manipulate, copy, and store images. However, some people believe that radiation from DR or CR is not as dangerous
as that from regular radiographs and that safety precautions aren't as important. They're wrong.
DON'T SKIP SAFETY GARMENTS
The amount of radiation necessary to produce an image is similar for DR, CR, and traditional radiographic techniques. While
DR and CR receptor plates are more sensitive, which means you can use lower exposure settings to take images, the decreased
exposure isn't significant enough that you can forgo normal safety requirements.
Furthermore, while you can manipulate CR and DR images after exposure—which means you don't need as many takes—this doesn't
make the radiation safe. Radiation during a first exposure is still a hazard, and protective equipment and sound techniques
are still necessary.
OSHA and states with active radiation-protection programs require you to use protective aprons and gloves when restraining
an animal for a radiograph. Thyroid shields aren't normally required, but they're highly recommended. (Newer styles of protective
aprons have high collars with built-in thyroid protection, so there's no additional garment to wear.)
GET YOUR HANDS OUT OF THEIR MOUTHS
Misinformation has also led to poor safety practices in dental radiography. When taking dental radiographs, you need to wear
protective apparel if you're not behind a protective shield. That goes for CR, DR, and traditional systems. Rules from OSHA
prohibit holding the intraoral film or receptor plate with your hand, even if you're wearing gloves.
You can make an inexpensive, effective film or receptor plate holder for dental operations from a slim, flat rod, such as
a paint stirring stick. This lets you put pressure against the film or receptor plate but keep your gloved finger out of the
patient's mouth and away from the primary radiation beam.
Forewarned is forearmed. DR and CR are safer than traditional radiography in some respects, but you can't neglect proper safety
procedures. An X-ray is an X-ray, no matter where it comes from.
Phil Seibert, CVT, is an author, speaker, and consultant with SafetyVet in Calhoun, Tenn. Send questions or comments to ve@advanstar.com
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