Evaluation of the scattered radiation during the containment of animals for radiographic examinations at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Uberlandia, MG, Brazil

Veterinarians are subject to occupational exposure to ionizing radiation, since in Brazil, most of the time, these Veterinarians are subject to occupational exposure to ionizing radiation, since in Brazil, most of the time, these professionals are responsible for the immobilization and positioning of animals during radiographic examinations. Thus, these professionals are considered Occupationally Exposed Individuals (OEI's) making it necessary to quantify such exposures to ionizing radiation, as a way of controlling and optimizing their radiological protection. The aim of the study was to know the radiation doses to which veterinarians at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Uberlandia (HOVET-UFU) are subjected because of the the scattered radiation by the patient. Three exams were assisted by the resident veterinarians from HOVET-UFU, who helped during their conducting and it was noticed that the highest value of H* (10) on the region of his head was 0.88 μSv. Different positions of the OEI's, as well as the size of the patient, were evaluated in order to obtain comparisons between different situations of scattered radiation. These evaluations were carried out to minimize the radiation dose received by the OEI's without impairing the quality of the exams, always ensuring the radioprotection of professionals in the sector and preserving the well-being of patients. (author)