Safety For Radiologic Technologists

Safety is an issue to definitely consider when entering the field. Radiography (with few exceptions) involves ionizing radiation. The radiation used is in low doses, but x ray techs receive more than the average person, potentially resulting in a large cumulative dose. Radiation causes disease by damaging DNA within our bodies, leading to cancer. While these risks are real, being educated about them and taking the proper preventive measures will insure your safety as a x ray technician.

To prevent harm from the x ray radiation, it is important to wear proper safety equipment such as lead aprons. Make sure to protect as much as your body as possible with proper fitting lead-coated garments. If the garment (collar, apron, etc) is not covering your body, it is not protecting your body. 

Beyond lead garments, proper positiong is also important. Make sure to focus equipment properly on patients. Attempt to stand as far away from the radiation source as possible, with an appropriate barrier in between you and the radiation source. Always wear your radiation badge, which monitors your cumulative radiation dose. If you ever suspect a safety issue, notify the proper supervisors or authorities at your place of employment. Remember: a good x ray technician is a safe x ray technician. 

Note: MRIs use magnetic forces to acquire images and do not use ionizing radiation. However, MRIs also pose several hazards and require the same attention to safety.