Radiation protection in pediatric radiography – Introducing some immobilization and protection equipment

Abstract

In this article immobilization equipment and safety measures used during radiographic imaging in childhood are presented. Pediatric radiologists and radiographers should work together to provide a child friendly environment during imaging, to minimize the stress for the patient and parents, and to facilitate the child’s cooperation. The maximum information possible must be gained from the radiographic procedure. Considerable skill and experience are required to obtain the best possible image in the shortest possible time. It is the responsibility of the radiology department to use proper imaging protocols and parameters for the size of the child. Equipment in a child friendly imaging department needs to be user friendly. The visual appearance of the equipment is also important to make it less frightening for children. It is important to choose the proper ancillary equipment for immobilization during radiographic procedure and explain to parents the importance of using it. The main goal of the immobilization equipment is to prevent unwanted movement, thereby shortening the time of the procedure, avoiding unnecessary repetitions of radiographic procedures and thus enlargement of the dose. At the same time, immobilization and protection equipment helps to avoid unnecessary exposure of parents taking part in radiographic procedure to ionizing radiation. Conclusion: Proper use of children’s immobilization and radiation protection equipment, together with an adjusted imaging technique, results in a quicker radiation procedure and lower radiation dose.