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X-ray Unit Safety: Staff Member Needs Reassurance About Handheld Devices

X-ray Unit Safety: Staff Member Needs Reassurance About Handheld Devices
by Dianne Glasscoe Watterson, RDH, BS, MBA
 
Dear Dianne,

Recently, the doctor I work with purchased a new x-ray machine. I should be glad, because the unit I had been using was a real dinosaur, but I'm not convinced of the new unit's safety. This unit is not mounted on the wall or ceiling but is handheld.

When I questioned the safety of actually exposing x-rays while holding the machine in my hands, the doctor told me that my concerns were invalid. He said this machine is very safe and not to worry. I took radiology many years ago, so I know things have changed over time. But I'm used to standing at least six feet from the tube head behind a wall to avoid radiation. Now the doctor tells me it's OK to actually hold this thing right in front of my body and take x-rays. Sheesh! And he casually dismisses my questions as if I'm supposed to just accept his word as being right.

I'm scared every time I press the button! What if this gadget malfunctions and gives me cancer? What if it's not as safe as he says it is? Can you give me any reassurances?

- Nervous Nellie, RDH

Dear Nervous Nellie,

I have volunteered in numerous Mission of Mercy clinics, and I work in whatever capacity they ask, including sterilization, assisting, and radiology. Last time, they put me in radiology, and the x-ray unit was a handheld device. I'll admit to my trepidation with this unit. Holding the machine close to my body and exposing x-rays gave me the jitters, but the doctor in charge of radiology assured me that it was perfectly safe. I was told that the shield mounted on the front of the unit would protect me from any radiation, scatter or otherwise.

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