[Oradlist] Aribex X-ray

[Stelt, PF. van der]

Dear colleagues,

I am missing an important aspect in the discussion about hand-held x-ray
machines. The general trend of the comments is that the dose to the
operator is low, and thus handheld machines are safe. I think this is
not according to the principles of radiation protection. Just to remind
you of the ICRP philosophy (my own wording):
1. justification: there should be a reason for the exposure.
2. ALARA: the dose should be as low as reasonably achievable, social and
economic aspect being included; 
3. dose limits (but not for the patient).
With respect to the discussion on Oradlist, we should apply these rules
to the dose to the operator.

Issue 2 and 3 mean that one should not merely stay below the dose limit,
but stay below it as far as possible (social and economical etc.). That
means that the question is not "Is a handheld machine safe", but rather
"Do we have other options that produce the same result at a lower dose".
The answer is yes: we have conventional x-ray machines, where the
operator can keep a larger distance to the x-ray machine and the patient
during the exposure (larger than the length of his arms ....) or even
stay behind a barrier wall. 

That means that a handheld machine is not the first choice in general
practice or in the clinic. However, it could be an effective solution in
places where no normal infrastructure is available (battle field,
forensic investigations) and then of course the question of dose to the
operator (and his/her safety) is legitimate.

Best regards,
Paul  
_________________________________________________
Paul F. van der Stelt, DDS, PhD
Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
Dept. of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
Academic Center for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA)
Louwesweg 1
1066 EA Amsterdam, the Netherlands
tel.      : +31-20-5188 262
fax      : +31-20-5188 480
e-mail : p.vdstelt at acta.nl
web    : www.radiology.acta.nl
_________________________________________________
 

> -----Original Message-----
> From: oradlist-bounces at lists.ucla.edu
[mailto:oradlist-bounces at lists.ucla.edu] On
> Behalf Of Allan G Farman
> Sent: Thursday, October 19, 2006 11:33 PM
> To: Oral Radiology Discussion Group
> Subject: [Oradlist] Aribex X-ray
> 
> I am told that the Ariba Nomad is now the Aribex Nomad. It has been
> approved in 25 states in the US to date - and most of those had
previous
> limitations on hand-holding X-ray generators. Apparently the rules
> against hand-held systems date back to the origins of radiography when
> electric shock was more of a concern than radiation safety. For the
> purposes outlined, I would still suggest first looking at a hand-held
> unit even if this means obtaining a local exemption initially. I have
> experienced moving so-called mobiles between my clinic and animal
labs.
> It is an awkward solution to say the least, and especially unworkable
> when you need to move between buildings.
> 
> Allan G. Farman
> 
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