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Answer to Question #643 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"Category: Radiation Workers The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field: Q
I am an American radiological technologist working in a private hospital in Saudi Arabia. The hospital is in the process of drafting policies and procedures. I have hit a snag on one policy in particular, titled Radiation Safety and Protection. I am trying to get across the idea that no radiologic technologist (or anyone who regularly works with radiation) is allowed to hold a patient or cassette during exposure of a patient to ionizing radiation. However, in a hospital setting, it is often necessary to have someone hold a patient. When it is necessary to hold a patient, especially during a portable exam on a ward, the nurses have been holding the patients for the technologist (while wearing a lead apron and gloves). When this was put in writing, the nursing administrators objected, saying why is it forbidden for one group of employees to hold a patient during an x-ray exposure, but okay for another. I know why, but I need to show them something in writing from an authoritative agency or organization in order for them to accept it. I have searched the Internet, but so far have been unable to find anything on the subject. I would be grateful for any help you can give me.
A
Most regulatory guides forbid the holding of patients by persons who are occupationally exposed to radiation. Most of these regulations are found in state regulatory codes since the exposures involve diagnostic x rays rather than radioactive materials. Nurses may or may not be classified as occupational workers depending on the jurisdiction. The decision of the necessity to hold patients may include consideration of the use of restraints or holding devices, the use of sedation, the availability of the patient's family, and the cooperation that the patient is able to give. Holding of patients is most often a problem with small children for whom holding devices may or may not be successful.
Jean Saint German, CHP Medical Health Physicist
Answer posted on 28 January 2001. The information and material posted on this website is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Website. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.
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