Sugárvédelmi szempontok lovak terepi röntgenvizsgálata során

Abstract

ÖSSZEFOGLALÁS Hazánk állatorvosi lovaspraxisaiban egyre inkább széles körben elterjedtek a direkt digitális radiográfiás rendszerek, amelyek a mobil, kompaktabb és könnyebb röntgenberendezésekkel karöltve kétségtelenül az elsővonalbeli képalkotó lehetőséget jelentik az állatorvosok számára, legyen szó diagnosztikai célú vagy adás-vételi röntgenvizsgálatról. A szerzők célja az irodalmi és jogszabályi háttér ismertetését követően valós, terepi körülmények között, önkéntesek segítségével elvégzett mérésekkel igazolni a sugárvédelmi intézkedések fontosságát, valamint megbecsülni egy röntgenvizsgálat során az állatorvost, ill. az asszisztáló személyeket érintő sugárdózist. SUMMARY During the radiographic examinations the veterinarian is often assisted by untrained personnel. This can contribute to a high number of acquisitions and sometimes unnecessary exposure to ionizing radiation, without knowledge and understanding of the personal dose equivalent values and risks. Although national regulations prohibit handholding the generator and holding the detector without leaded gloves, these practices are widespread. Our aim was to review relevant literature and to highlight the importance of radiation safety practices for equine veterinarians and assistants when using portable X-ray systems and to estimate the personal dose equivalent values of personnel involved in radiographic examination. Radiation dose measurements were carried out during pre-purchase radiographic examinations on three horses, using calibrated electronical personal dosimeters positioned over and under lead aprons and gloves of the veterinarian acquiring radiographs, the assistants holding the detector and the horse. Mean personal dose equivalent values of the veterinarian, the assistants holding the detector plate or the horse were calculated. Mean exposure measurements obtained over the lead gloves and over the lead apron of the veterinarian ranged between 0.1-0.4 μSv and 0.1-2.1 μSv, respectively. The personal dose equivalent value of the person holding the horse was consistently 0 μSv under the lead apron and reached a total mean value of 2.7 μSv for pre-purchase examinations when the dosimeter was over the protective clothing. The personal dose equivalent values were the highest for the person holding the detector, with a mean of 1.9 μSv over the lead apron and 7.6 μSv over the lead gloves when obtaining caudo-cranial radiograph of the stifle. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the importance of compliance with international radiation safety recommendations and national regulations, in minimising exposure to ionising radiation, and also highlights the need for an updated, tailored legal environment.