RAD Safety Guidlines

Radiation Safety

Ionizing Radiation
All student radiographers are monitored on a continuous basis by a film badge type monitor. Records of student exposure to ionizing radiation are maintained by the program director and are temporarily posted in the radiology laboratory. All students are provided with introductory instruction in radiation protection measures before directed practice rotations begin. Students are NOT permitted to hold a patient during a radiologic examination!

Student Pregnancy
The student has a right to privacy and confidentiality. By that right, a student is not required to inform radiologic technology faculty of pregnancy or the intent to become pregnant. However, exposure of a fetus to radiation has significant risks. Such risks include skeletal deformities, mental retardation, spontaneous abortion, and childhood malignancy. All students receive basic radiation protection instruction during the first quarter of the program. As a means of protection, the pregnant student is expected to protect herself in the presence of ionizing radiation through the use of maximized distance, maximized shielding, and minimized time spent in the presence of ionizing radiation.

Disclosure of pregnancy is voluntary, however, it is strongly encouraged that the pregnant student discuss her situation with the Program Director so that additional and maximum protection measures can be explained and implemented. These measures will include the ordering of a fetal film badge to be worn at the waist and possibly changing the clinical rotation schedule to minimize fetal dose of radiation. The student has two options for the clinical rotations:

1. The student may choose to modify the clinical rotation, however, this may lead to additional time for completion, or
    
2. The student may continue in the clinical rotation schedule without modification. In the event that the student delivers during the academic quarter, additional weeks of Directed Practice may be added to compensate for any time taken. As established by the N.C.R.P. report #116, the dose equivalent limit to the fetus is 0.5 rem/gestation.

It is the student's responsibility to maintain didactic assignments to the satisfaction of the instructors involved. This may require that the student repeat courses missed during the maternity leave, which could lead to an additional year for course completion. Any questions regarding the pregnant student's responsibilities should be directed to the program director.