Radiation Shielding for Clinics and Small Hospitals with a WHIS-RAD 2013

Abstract

Preface It was planned during preparation of the manual “Diagnostic Imaging in Clinics and Small Hospitals” (June 2011) to include detailed calculations on radiation shielding for a WHIS-RAD as an annex. However, the length of the radiation shielding calculations was such that it was decided that the manual would serve its purpose much better without any annexes. So this second manual, “Radiation Shielding for Clinics or Small Hospitals with a WHIS-RAD”, details the calculations used to determine the radiation shielding required for the minimum size room (16 square meters) that is acceptable for a WHIS-RAD X-ray unit. Adjoining spaces as well as various situations involving the staff, patients and the storage of X-ray sensitive materials (film and loaded cassettes/ digital receptors) are included. To determine the required shielding (Table 2), the calculations are based on the X-ray examinations of 3,000 patients per year as is common in small hospitals (WL=1), and also for many times that workload. Table 2, with its wide range of situations, is also a useful reference for comparing shielding requirements for similar installations...The information will be useful for health authorities, health care and non-profit donor organizations when resources are limited. Funds not spent on unnecessary radiation shielding can be better used for equipment and staffing.