Radiation Safety; Scatter Radiation - GE Medical Systems PRODIGY Service Manual

1.6.3 Radiation safety

1.6.4 Scatter Radiation

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1-24 Safety
X-ray exposure: The system makes radiation when electric voltage is
supplied to, and current flows through, the x-ray tube. During a measurement,
the shutter opens to let a beam of radiation pass through the scanner table
and patient. The radiation field at the table top is 19.2 mm x 3.3 mm. Lead
oxide shielding surrounds the x-ray tube insert inside the tube housing
assembly and reduces radiation levels around the scanner table.
Skin entrance dose: Table 1 of the PRODIGY Operators Safety and
Specifications manual shows irradiation times and skin entrance doses.
• There is some scatter radiation from the PRODIGY when it is running.
Figure 1-8 shows the radiation dosages while the scanner is running at
3.00 mA at certain distances.
• These dosages are relatively insignificant as the allowed yearly dosage
for a person working with radiation emitting equipment is 5000 mRem.
Radiation however should be avoided when possible.
PRODIGY Service Manual (Rev C - 2000)