In plain language
This 1988 American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) protocol sets out how medical physicists should survey x-ray equipment for regulatory compliance, including annual fluoroscopic checks of lead aprons (at least 0.25 mm Pb). It offers no measured staff-dose or health data.
At a glance
- Type of study
- Guideline or consensus statement
- Who was studied
- Medical physicists and radiation safety officers
- Where
- United States
- Topics
- Dosimetry and monitoringPersonal protective equipmentRegulation and policyRoom shielding and protective devicesPatient dose
- Summary based on
- a web page
What it found
Protocols provide a unified approach for physicist surveys of radiographic, fluoroscopic, dental and mammographic equipment to verify compliance with federal and state regulations; computed tomography (CT) is excluded.
Lead or lead-equivalent aprons and gloves of at least 0.25 mm Pb should be readily available for occupationally exposed personnel.
Key figures: 0.25 mm Pb
Protective apparel should be examined fluoroscopically and checked at least annually, with results documented.
Key figures: at least annually
For mobile units the radiographer should be able to stand at least 6 feet from the x-ray tube during exposure, typically via a six-foot exposure switch cord.
Key figures: at least 6 feet
Each parameter should be checked at least annually or after repairs; heavily used equipment may need semi-annual checks.
Key figures: annually; semi-annual for heavy use
Limits to keep in mind
A 1988 technical protocol based on regulations and expert consensus, not empirical data on staff dose or health; the available text is cut short before the fluoroscopy and area-radiation sections.
Related research summaries
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- Radiation protection practices in diagnostic and interventional cardiology: Position paper from Portuguese Association of Interventional Cardiology (2025, Guideline or consensus statement)
- NCRP Commentary 26 - Guidance on Radiation Dose Limits for Lens of Eye (2016, Guideline or consensus statement)
- Radiation safety program for the cardiac catheterization laboratory (2011, Guideline or consensus statement)
- ICRP Draft - Radiological Protection in Fluoroscopically Guided Procedures (Guideline or consensus statement)
How this summary was made
ORSIF prepared this summary with AI assistance from a web page of the paper. A program then checked that the passage supporting each finding appears word for word in that source. A person has not yet reviewed each summary, so read the original before relying on a number. ORSIF summarizes research and does not endorse any product or company. Report a problem with this summary.
Prepared November 3, 2026.