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24 May 2012

Answer to Question #9978 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Medical and Dental Equipment/Shielding — Shielding

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

In an x-ray room, what should I do about metal objects like lighting and doorknobs?

Are these things okay to have if they are not in the way of the x-ray beam?

Your question is not totally clear regarding your concern. I will assume that you are asking whether or not the presence of metal objects in a typical x-ray room may cause issues with scatter radiation or image quality issues if those objects are not in the x-ray beam.

As long as these items are not in the path from the x-ray collimator to the image receptor, they will not cause any problems with the x-ray beam or the image. If metal objects are in the primary x-ray beam (such as patient jewelry, coins, a pocket knife, etc.), then there is concern mainly because they may obstruct the anatomy that is being diagnosed with the x ray. Also, for installations with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), it is critical that certain metal objects not be inside the room because they can become drawn to the magnet bore as dangerous projectiles.

Kennith “Duke” Lovins, CHP
Health Physicist

Answer posted on 9 November 2011. 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.