Development of a mobile shield for X-ray radiography and its application in diagnosis of endemic diseases

Objective: To develop a mobile shield for X-ray radiography in order to improve the protection of operators against the exposure in diagnosis of endemic diseases at site. Methods: Firstly, X-ray tube was routinely fixed on the stand while the operator was 1 and 2 m respectively away from the axis of it. When the shanks and forearms of the patient were exposed fractionally, the dose-equivalent rates of operator were detected at their forehead, chest and abdomen by pressurized ionization chamber. Secondly, the mobile shield was added before X-ray tube. The same parts were exposed and the dose-equivalent rates at the corresponding positions were detected as above. Fifty-five people were examined in areas with endemic diseases. The X-ray films were sham-exposed as control. The photographing quality was assessed. Results: In the routine way, the dose-equivalent rates for the forearms were 1043, 1191, and 1297 μSv/h at 1 m, and 512, 673, and 798 μSv/h at 2 m, while for the shanks were 1356, 1489, 1675 μSv/h at 1 m, and 743, 978 and 1127 μSv/h at 2 m, respectively. After the shield was added, the dose-equivalent rates for the forearms reduced to 1.7, 2.9 and 7.9 μSv/h at 1 m, and 0.6, 1.3 and 3.1 μSv/h at 2 m, while for the shanks were 2.2, 3.4, 9.1 μSv/h at 1 m, and 0.9, 1.2, and 3.9 μSv/h at 2 m respectively, which were 1/150-1/800 of the former. Moreover, the percentage of high-quality photos was increased by 30%. Conclusions: As a small device, the mobile shield for X-ray radiography is convenient for photograph of multi-parts, which helps to perform the X-ray test safely and effectively in areas of endemic diseases. (authors)