One of the first decisions when ordering radiation protection apparel is the Pb equivalency: 0.35mm or 0.50mm. It seems like a simple more-is-better choice, so why not always go with the higher protection? The decision involves a real tradeoff between attenuation and weight, and the right answer dep …

Every radiology department runs on its marquee equipment like the CT scanner, the MRI magnet, the digital radiography system. These are the machines that generate images, drive revenue, and attract physician referrals. Ask any technologist what actually makes their day run smoothly, however, and the …

Of all the radiation protection equipment in an imaging department, leaded eyewear may be the most underused but most important for long-term career health. Research shows that 50% of interventional cardiologists develop cataracts, and the International Atomic Energy Agency reports that properly fit …

The thyroid gland is one of the most radiosensitive organs in the body. Located in the anterior neck, it sits in the scatter field during most fluoroscopic procedures and many diagnostic examinations. Thyroid cancer is among the most well-documented radiation-induced malignancies, with a dose-respon …

Imaging tables are designed for equipment performance, not patient comfort. The flat, hard surface of a radiography or fluoroscopy table serves its purpose to provide a stable, uniform surface for consistent image geometry, but it creates a patient experience problem. A patient lying on a cold, hard …

The fluoroscopy suite is the highest-exposure environment in diagnostic imaging. Fluoroscopy produces continuous radiation for the duration of the procedure. A complex interventional case may involve 30 minutes, 60 minutes, or more of fluoroscopic time, with staff positioned within feet of the patie …