The use of mobile computed tomography in intensive care: regulatory compliance and radiation protection.
The use of mobile head computed tomography (CT) equipment in intensive care is of benefit to unstable patients with brain injury. However, ionising radiation in a ward environment presents difficulties due to the necessity to restrict the exposure to staff and members of the public according to regulation 8(1-2) of the Ionising Radiation Regulations 1999. The methodology for enabling the use of a mobile head CT unit in an open ward area is discussed and a practical solution given. This required the reduction in scatter doses through the installation of extra internal and external shielding, and a further reduction in annual scatter dose by restricting the use of the equipment based on a simulation of the annual ward workload.
Stevens
G C
GC
Healthcare Science and Technology Directorate, Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, UK. Gregory.Stevens@phnt.swest.nhs.uk
Rowles
N P
NP
Foy
R T
RT
Loader
R
R
Barua
N
N
Williams
A
A
Palmer
J D
JD
D003422:Critical Care / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000592:standards*; D019983:Guideline Adherence / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000592:standards; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011835:Radiation Protection / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000592:standards; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000592:standards*; D006113:United Kingdom