Get insights into the world of our medical products: From the most innovative radiation protection glasses to the individualized x-ray apron - we'll keep you informed about the latest innovations.In addition, we explain the sustainable use of our products and give tips on how to protect your own health during medical work.
We look forward to suggestions from you and strive to clarify questions in the blog for all those interested.
X-ray protection apron in the veterinary work environment
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X-rays in veterinary medicine The use of x-rays for the diagnosis of diseases does not only take place in hospitals or clinics, but also in veterinary practices and on site with animals.
X-ray imaging in animals and pets
With the use of radiography or digital radiography systems in veterinary practices, imaging information, also called x-ray images, is acquired from the animal and can be used for further diagnostic procedures. The sequence of the x-rays does not differ from the procedure in human medicine. However, there are digital radiography systems that have been sized for pets.
Some veterinarians also use mobile radiography equipment or X-ray detector systems to take digital X-rays of the animals on site. Digital X-ray detector systems allow the veterinarian to perform an outpatient digital radiography without adding unnecessary stress to the animal during transportation.
X-ray protection for veterinary professionals
As in human medicine, protection against X-rays in veterinary medicine is an important measure for the veterinarian and the veterinary staff in order to protect against ionizing radiation by means of radiography devices or X-ray detector systems. When used frequently, ionizing radiation leads to cell damage and can cause cancer or other diseases. To minimize such risks, an X-ray apron / lead apron, thyroid protection, X-ray gloves and X-ray protective glasses should be used during imaging procedures.
Contact us directly or a local dealer without obligation to learn more about the importance of X-ray protective clothing in your work environment.
X-ray Apron Children: When small patients need to be x-rayed
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Especially during active games and sports it can happen that children hurt or even break their arm or leg. Often, doctors and healthcare professionals use x-rays to diagnose the actual physical damage. For children suffering from specific disease, radiographic rays can be used for therapy. However, especially children and pregnant women caution is required. Any protective measures against the potential harmful effects of x-rays should be taken.
The ALARA Principle
The International Radiation Protection Commission has a thoughtful usage of X-rays (ICRP, 2013). According to the ALARA radiation safety principle („As Low As Reasonably Achievable“), X-ray irradiation carried out should be weighed in several aspects. First, it must be decided whether an X-ray is unavoidable for diagnosis. If X-ray radiation is necessary, the amount of radiation must be adjusted. With regard to the production of X-ray equipment, too low of a level of radiation would be less effective if results were unusable or faulty due to the low radiation quantity. Correct X-ray equipment should be used, which can be set to a lower dosage for the respective body weight.
Is CT eye shields an indispensable protective measure in computed tomography?
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A computed tomography (CT) scan is an important instrument to diagnose diseases, especially in high-risk patients. Doctors can use this imaging procedure to initiate life-saving measures. But because this procedure is radiation-intensive, optimal patient protection should be of the highest interest.
How high is the radiation exposure in CT examinations?
According to the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (Bundesamt für Strahlenschutz), general CT examinations have steadily increased in Germany in recent years. An exact indication of the effective dose of CT examinations cannot be made. However, it is known that CT examinations have a relatively high radiation dose in comparison to conventional X-ray examinations. The skull examination or cranial computed tomography is the most frequently performed sectional image diagnostics. In particular, the eyes of the patient are exposed to a high radiation dose, which can cause dangerous after-effects for the sensitive organ.
How can the eyes of patients be protected?
First of all, the responsible staff must decide whether a CT scan is inevitable or not. Especially in children, pregnant women and people with risky medical history should not be carried out unnecessary X-ray examinations. If there is a justification for the CT application, certain safeguards should be put in place. On the one hand, the patient may be asked to place their eyes on the feet rather than upwards during the examination to reduce the distance between the eye lens and the scan area.
On the other hand, putting on protectors can reduce the exposure of the eye lenses. This CT eye protection can help to reduce the radiation risk for the important organ eye a lot. It must be remembered that the protectors in the eye area do not obstruct the work of the imaging.
Why X-ray protection glasses are essential in radiology
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Have you ever asked yourself if X-ray protection glasses are needed?
It is widely known that X-ray protective clothing and X-ray gloves will protect important organs when you are being exposed to radiation. Likewise, it is important to protect sensitive parts of the body that are being exposed to a great extent such as the eyes. Working with radiation can greatly increase the risk of eye disease or even blindness.
Reasons to wear x-ray protection glasses:
Regular exposure of a body part to X-rays can result in harmful and often permanent after- effects.
Radiation goggles minimize the radiation that the eyes are exposed to. The harmful effects of X-rays for the eyes, to which you are regularly exposed to during fluoroscopy or radiology, are significantly attenuated...
A functioning thyroid is necessary to ensure the health of an organism. The thyroid gland is indispensable for a variety of tasks, but it also tends to be susceptible to disease. What can be done to best protect your thyroid?
The thyroid - an important organ
The thyroid gland is a gland below the larynx, which is responsible for the formation of vital hormones. The hormones produced thereby are responsible for the growth of individual cells and are important for a healthy energy metabolism. Since the thyroid is responsible for a variety of tasks, it is also extremely susceptible to disease. In particular, iodine deficiency can lead to goiter or nodule formation and favor further diseases. Thyroid cancer can arise when inoperative cells spread and displace healthy cells.
Can you get Thyroid cancer due to radiation?
According to the German Society of Endocrinology (DGE), Thyroid cancer has increasingly attracted attention in recent years due to rising numbers of cases. Although genetic factors may favor thyroid cancer, it is not yet clear which risk factors contribute significantly to the formation of thyroid cancer. It is known that direct contact with ionizing radiation, e.g. in the form of medical radiation or exposure to radioactive radiation, can significantly promote cancer.
Imaging procedures in today’s dentistry industry has become indispensable. Therefore, protection from harmful scattered radiation is more important than ever.
X-Ray procedures and protection
Innovation in imaging devices and procedures allow dentists gain valuable insights on the oral health of their patients. These procedures are usually done with x-ray imaging devices, panoramic x-rays, and digital volume tomography (DVT) devices, aka, CBCT. With valuable insights on the one side, negative side-effects may be the consequence, if radiation protection is not addressed probably. Let’s take a look what x-ray radiation is and what can be done to avoid the risk from ionized radiation.
Radiation protection clothing and other devices that protect patients and staff from harmful radiation go through testing procedures that are regulated and overseen by authorities to ensure compliance with national guidelines. Hospitals and medical centers may have a radiation protection commissioner (Strahlenschutzbeauftragter), who ensures compliance of x-ray protection suppliers and may facilitate training on proper maintenance and inspects the x-ray protection apparel for any damages.
Why is radiation harmful and why should I be concerned?
Especially during active games and sports it can happen that children hurt or even break their arm or leg. Often, doctors and healthcare professionals use x-rays to diagnose the actual physical damage. For children suffering from specific disease, radiographic rays can be used for therapy. However, especially children and pregnant women caution is required. Any protective measures against the potential harmful effects of x-rays should be taken.
A computed tomography (CT) scan is an important instrument to diagnose diseases, especially in high-risk patients. Doctors can use this imaging procedure to initiate life-saving measures. But because this procedure is radiation-intensive, optimal patient protection should be of the highest interest.
