Determination of Operators' Portable X-ray Safety

Abstract

Objective: Ionizing radiation in the form of rays interacts with matter and has immediate and delayed impacts. Applications in dentistry include extraoral and intraoral X-rays and machines can be portable and fixed. A portable X-ray machine is a mobile X-ray device that is smaller than a stationary one. The radiation dose from portable devices to which exposure is allowed should not be higher than 20 mSv annually. The purpose of this study was to compare three portable dental X-rays to determine the quantity of dispersed radiation that affects radiography operators. Methods: Three types of portable X-ray devices (portable X-ray system (Clarox, Eightieth, and QiN high-frequency microfocus dental X-ray units) were used. An extracted tooth was used for testing. The tooth was X-rayed laying on a flat surface after pouring it into a stone base. Three different radiation devices of different sorts were positioned in front of the tooth individually, with identical dimensions for each device. More than one radiological image was obtained with each of the radiation devices, and radiation levels were recorded. Results: It was discovered that as radiological images were being taken, the scattered radiation readings for two devices (Clarox and Eightieth) progressively decreased. The recorded readings for QiN were lower. Conclusion: Comparing the radiometer results revealed that the portable X-ray equipment emits radiation that has an impact on radiation workers. Therefore, radiation safety precautions must be followed, and radiation shields must be employed.

Keywords

• Portable x-ray unit
• scattered radiation
• radiation dose
• occupational dose
• measuring radiation device