- #1
cube137
- 361
- 10
If you have chest x-ray of the lungs.. how much of the x-ray radiation goes to other parts of the body (like the lower abdomen)? Or do the machines just focus the beam on the chest?
Bystander said:Google "x-ray shielding."
cube137 said:I meant without using any x-ray shielding or apron.
Loowee said:As Choppy mentioined above, a chest X-ray typically delivers a dose of 0.1 mSv. Non-radiation workers are allowed an exposure of 20 mSv/year; radiation workers 50 mSv. Deduct the 2-3 mSv/year that we get from the environment. That leaves us with 17-18 mSv/year of allowable exposure. From a clinical point of view, that means we can have as many as 170 chest X-rays in a year (17 per year divided by 0.1 per chest X-ray). The link by Jim shows a good chart.
A chest X-ray is a medical imaging test that uses a small amount of radiation to create images of the structures inside the chest, including the heart, lungs, and bones. The X-ray machine emits a beam of radiation that passes through the body and creates an image on a special film or digital detector. Different tissues and structures in the chest absorb the radiation differently, resulting in a black and white image that can help diagnose medical conditions.
While chest X-rays do use radiation, the amount is very small and considered safe for most individuals. The amount of radiation exposure from a chest X-ray is equivalent to a few days of natural background radiation. However, it is important to limit X-ray exposure as much as possible, especially for pregnant women and children, as repeated exposure can increase the risk of cancer.
The radiation used in a chest X-ray is focused on the chest area and does not typically affect other parts of the body. However, there is a small risk of scattered radiation, which can reach other organs and tissues if they are not shielded properly. This is why lead aprons are often used to protect areas outside of the chest during an X-ray.
Most individuals will not experience any side effects from a chest X-ray. However, some people may have an allergic reaction to the contrast dye used in certain types of X-rays. In rare cases, the radiation may cause skin irritation or burns. If you experience any unusual symptoms after an X-ray, it is important to notify your healthcare provider.
To reduce exposure to chest X-ray radiation, it is important to limit the number of X-rays you receive and to only have them when necessary for medical reasons. Pregnant women should inform their healthcare provider before getting an X-ray, as the radiation can potentially harm the developing fetus. Additionally, lead aprons and shields can be used to protect other parts of the body from scattered radiation during an X-ray.