IMT 312 Principles of Radiation Protection: Home

Radiation Protection Policy - Summarized

The responsibility of the student technologist is to maximize the benefit from each x-ray exposure and to minimize the
radiation received by the patient.
All of the following are to be followed in accordance with clinical sites radiation safety/departmental policy.

1. Screening
• Inform patient of risks of ionizing radiation which is dependent on type of procedure.
• Female patients are asked of a chance of pregnancy possibility and answer documented (according to
departmental policy).
• Documentation of the beginning date of the last menstrual period is required.
• If chance of pregnancy, a pregnancy test is ordered before radiography exam may be started.

2. Technique
• Take time to position the patient properly.
• Choose exposure factors based on the patient’s body habitus.
• Adhere to As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) principles.

3. Collimation
• Limit the size of the beam to include only the area of interest.
• There is NEVER justification for a beam larger than the image receptor.
• Collimation improves image quality.
• Collimation may be the single most important element the student can do to protect the patient.

4. Gonadal Shielding
• Use gonadal shielding as dictated by clinical site protocols.
• Gonadal shields should be used on any patient in the reproductive years or younger or when it does not
interfere with the area being imaged.

5. Protecting Yourself
• The student should protect oneself by employing the same techniques used to protect the patient.
• Always wear a lead apron, thyroid shield (collar), and gloves when appropriate.
• Never Stand in the Primary Beam, Hold a Patient or Image Receptor for an exposure.

6. Supervision Level
• Only perform at the level of competency that has been achieved with the correct supervision levels involved.
• NEVER repeat a radiograph without the direct supervision of a technologist.
• Complete levels of supervision are detailed here in Clinical Education section.

7. Personnel Monitoring – Optically Stimulated Luminescence Dosimeter (OSL)
• Students will be issued two OSL badges, one for the clinical setting and one for the simulation lab setting.
Badges are to be stored at site to which the badge is issued to ensure correct badge readings.
• Detailed directions on badge placement will be fully explained in the IMT 312 Radiation Protection Course.
• Inadvertently laundering the OSL will destroy it but DO NOT THROW IT AWAY. Bring it to the Radiation Safety
Officer and/or Clinical Coordinator and it will be sent back to the company. A spare OSL will be issued until the
quarter is finished.
• The OSL cannot be worn while receiving medical or dental x-rays. The OSL is for OCCUPATIONAL dose only.
• The current quarterly report (and semi-annually Sim Badge report) is maintained by the Radiation Safety Officer
and the student needs to review and initial the report. These reports do not share any personal information
other than student name.
• Students will be given their individual summary report post-graduation.
• Students should not receive more than 125 mrem/ 1.25mSv per quarter.

8. Overexposure
• Students that receive more than 125 mrem/ 1.25 mSv per quarter will be counseled, and the incident will be
discussed with the Radiation Safety Officer and the Clinical Coordinator.
• If the student continues to exceed the recommended dose limits, removal from the clinical area will occur.

Welcome to the guide for Principles of Radiation Protection!

This guide provides resources for the course to help you succeed in your classes!

This course will acquaint the student with the principles of basic radiation protection practices including different sources of ionizing radiation and hazards involving the technologist, patient, and the general public. Proper protective measures will be introduced. Radiation monitoring and survey equipment are also presented. Application of radiation protection methods learned in the classroom are emphasized in clinical education courses

Are you looking for resources for a particular course? You're in luck! Search all our guides or click here for our Radiography guides!