Study of the Scattered X-ray distributions around a Mammographic Unit

Abstract

Mammography continues to be the primary imaging tool in the detection of early breast cancer. Because of the overall increase in the use of medical ionizing radiation, many patients and their physicians are appropriately concerned about individual radiation dose and specifically concerned about the risks of radiation from mammography. The aim of this study was to investigate scatter radiation intensity around modern digital mammography systems in three hospitals under clinical conditions. The readings were carried out using RADOS (RDS-120 Universal Survey Meter). Scatter radiation was measured at different distance in four areas around the mammography unit; these areas were the control room, Technician office, neighboring offices and Waiting area of mammography room. The distance from the mammogram and the four regions was measured. All measurements were taken in Craniocaudal projection. The result of the study showed that the readings of scattered radiation were detected in control room (0.5μSv/h) and neighboring (0.2 μSv/h) office in hospital A. It was also detected in the neighboring office (0.9 μSv/h) in hospital B, while it was noticed in the waiting area (0.8 μSv/h) in hospital C. These scatter measurements could be used in a shielding calculation and compared with current shielding design criteria to determine whether additional radiation protection or alteration to present shielding was required.