Radiation can be used for different reasons in the medical setting. It can be used for diagnostic purposes or in the treatment of cancer. It is used by dentists to visualize a patient's dentition. Radiation's use has benefits as well as risks, and because of this patient safety as well as safety of medical staff should be ensured.
Pregnancy
Radiation has the ability to affect rapidly dividing cells like those found in developing fetuses. This ability can lead to birth defects. Therefore, it is important for medical staff administering radiation to ask female patients if they are or think they are pregnant before giving radiation therapy.
Lead Barriers
Patients should be covered with lead-lined barrier devices before receiving radiation therapy. The areas of the body not being irradiated usually are covered. This prevents unwarranted exposure of patients to radioactive substances.
Doses
Patients should be irradiated with the lowest effective dose of radiation. This reduces the risks associated with receiving radioactive treatment, such as the development of cancer.
Equipment
Machines used to administer radiation should be monitored by experts as required by local, state or federal laws to make sure they are in good working condition. This increases radiation safety in the medical environment.
Expertise
Medical personnel who administer radioactive therapy should be properly trained experts in this field or work under the supervision of staff who are qualified in this field. This may increase adherence to safety measures when operating machines that deliver radiation treatment or diagnostics.
Tags: medical staff, Patients should, radiation therapy, safety medical, this field