Question

You are involved in an O.R case where fluoro is needed for a Lumbar spine. You decide to roll in lead shields for the surgeons who do not have lead aprons on so they can stand behind them during the exposure. Is this barrier considered to be a primary or secondary barrier?

Answer 1

The lead shields rolled in for surgeons during a fluoroscopic procedure serve as a secondary barrier, providing protection from scatter and leakage radiation rather than the direct primary beam.

Step-by-step explanation:

The barrier you are referring to, which is used to shield surgeons from radiation exposure during a procedure requiring fluoroscopy of the lumbar spine, is considered a secondary barrier. In radiation protection, primary barriers are designed to shield against the direct primary beam, such as the lead lining found in the walls or doors of an X-ray room. A secondary barrier, on the other hand, is intended to protect against scatter and leakage radiation that may escape from the primary protective barriers.

These secondary barriers, such as mobile lead shields, are vital for reducing occupational exposure to ionizing radiation. Shielding absorbs radiation and can be made of various materials; in the context of X-rays or fluoroscopy, lead is commonly used due to its high density and effective attenuation of X-ray photons.

It is important to reduce radiation exposure to medical personnel, which can be achieved through the use of protective clothing, proper shielding, increasing the distance from the source, and limiting the exposure time. Each of these strategies contributes to minimizing the effective dose received by healthcare workers, as reflected in Figure 32.7 and 32.10 from your references.