Understanding the Risks of Being a Radiology Technician
Radiology technicians play a vital role in the medical field, producing images to help diagnose and monitor patients. However, their occupation does come with some dangers. This article explores whether risks exist for radiology techs and how to stay safe on the job.
What is a Radiology Technician?
Radiology technicians, also known as radiographers or radiologic technologists, use special imaging equipment to create medical images of the body. This includes x-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, mammograms, ultrasounds, and more.
Their duties involve preparing patients for exams, operating complex machinery, determining correct dosages and exposure times, recording images, reviewing for quality, and analyzing initial results. Some technologists specialize in certain imaging modalities like bone density scans or MRI.
Radiation Exposure Risks
Ionizing radiation from x-rays and CT scans penetrates through body tissues and can damage DNA over time, increasing cancer risk. This is the main danger radiology techs face in their occupation from repeated exposure.
What is the typical level of radiation they receive? According to research, average annual doses in recent years range from 0.4 to 0.8 mSv in the UK, 0.5 mSv in Australia, and 0.9 mSv in the US. This equals roughly 2 extra cases of cancer per 1000 workers over a lifetime.
Reducing Radiation Exposure
While a small hazard exists, radiology techs follow the ALARA or As Low As Reasonably Achievable principles to protect themselves. This involves:
- Wearing lead aprons, thyroid shields, and goggles
- Using lead lined barriers and walls
- Staying out of x-ray rooms when exposure is triggered
- Standing as far from sources as possible
- Monitoring badges to track personal dose rates
With safe practices, most technicians receive fairly low doses under guidelines still considered safe for the general public at 1 mSv per year.
Other Occupational Risks
Besides radiation, performing radiologic procedures poses additional risks of:
- Musculoskeletal injuries - Lifting heavy equipment, bending, reaching, and long hours standing or sitting in place can strain muscles and joints.
- Exposure to toxic chemicals - Fixing equipment may involve solvents, refrigerants, and toners that are hazardous when inhaled or touched without gloves.
- Trauma from combative patients - Some medical conditions like mental illness or intoxication can cause violent outbursts.
General health and safety training helps greatly lower these dangers on top of protection from radiation.
Becoming a Registered Radiologic Technologist
Those wishing to enter this field complete formal training from accredited programs before taking a licensing exam to become registered radiologic technologists. The job outlook remains very positive with aging populations needing more imaging and techs retiring. Newer trained graduates also promote lowering historical risks even further through better modern safety knowledge. However, without proper credentials and registered state licenses permitting controlled use of radiologic equipment, unqualified individuals should never attempt operating machines or conducting scans.
Education Options
Prospective radiology techs have a choice between:
- Associate degree from community college taking 2 years.
- Bachelor's 4 year university program.
- Certificate / Diploma from hospital 1-2 year program.
Regardless of study path chosen, key curriculum covers radiation physics and safety protection, human anatomy, pathology, patient positioning, imaging principles, data acquisition, quality assurance, trauma procedures, care for critically ill patients, and clinical internships.
Earning Professional Credentials
After graduation, sitting for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam awards the Registered Technologist (R.T.) designation needed to apply for state licenses. Their standards help ensure competence to operate radiologic equipment safely.
Technologists then become licensed in their particular state to legally work in healthcare facilities. Licenses must undergo renewal with set amounts of continuing education credits earned regularly to stay updated on the latest technology and ability standards.
Specializations in Radiology
Beyond entry level qualification as radiographers, some go on to gain extra certifications in:
- Computed tomography (CT)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Mammography
- Cardiovascular-interventional radiography
- Quality management
- Bone densitometry
- Breast sonography
Advancing into these specialized modalities requires additional formal training but offers higher salaries with more responsibility.
Essential Health and Safety Habits
All medical radiation workers should adopt these fundamental occupational practices:
Monitoring Exposure Levels
Wear assigned dosimeters like film badges, TLDs, or OSLs consistently during all procedures for monitoring cumulative radiation dose exposure over time. Get device readings evaluated routinely.
Using Protective Barriers
Properly use lead shielding like aprons, glasses, barriers when around radiation areas. Thyroid collars safeguard a uniquely radiosensitive gland.
Observing Distance Rules
Stay as far back from x-ray units while activated and scan acquisition as workspace allows. Distance protects from stray scatter radiation.
Exercising Caution Around Equipment
Apply due care when operating, maintaining, or maneuvering heavy imaging machinery to avoid muscle strains or injury collisions.
Reporting Issues Immediately
Promptly notify supervisors about any safety or personal protection concerns to swiftly fix problems and bolster defenses.
Key Takeaways on Radiology Tech Safety
Modern radiology relies on highly skilled technologists to produce medical images safely. While a marginal cancer risk exists from occupational radiation exposure over decades, following rigorous protocols minimizes the likelihood substantially. Many technicians go their whole careers with fairly low exposures. The greater hazards stem from practice errors, equipment malfunctions, or workplace accidents.
Becoming properly educated and credentialed ensures radiology techs remain perpetually mindful in keeping radiation doses As Low As Reasonably Achievable.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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