Is X-Ray Exposure ok?

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When we hold babies for X-rays in our unit, we do not wear a lead apron or any type of protection. I know that since the babies are so small, the amount of x-ray exposure is probably also small, but is it safe not to wear any type of protection at all? What about if you are pregnant or trying to conceive? :uhoh3:

Specializes in NICU, Telephone Triage.
We wore the badges for a year and they barely registered anything. The amount of radiation used on neonates is low, but it can have an accumulative effect. As long as you are 6 feet away, you are protected from the scatter. We wear the aprons when we hold and we hold for our preggies too. Even the docs will hold for them. Basically one isolette length aways is adequete, providing your isolettes are not on top of each other.

I've heard the same thing, that 6 feet is far enough. I sometimes think all the fuss about running away from an xray is a little too much. 6 feet is far enough for me, I'm not going to leave the room.

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Specializes in NICU.

Our xray tech told me to either wear an apron or stand at least 6 feet away also.

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Specializes in PICU, ICU, Transplant, Trauma, Surgical.

In regard to this, we have a little guy in our unit who's dad requested we put a lead shield over his baby's boy parts for each x-ray, and for x-rays on kids in close vicinity. He is afraid of testicular radiation damage. How real of a concern is this? I kinda giggled about it when I heard it in report, but it may be a legit concern. Obviously it's hard to fulfill that request getting a KUB or a left lat decub.

:confused:What do you all think?

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I have been told that it is not enough radiation to even show an xray of my hand, so I am lazy and dont wear one. I dont make it a point to run to the bedside when one is being done, but I dont run away either LOL!!!

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Specializes in NICU and neonatal transport.

Our senior radiographer once shouted at me because I said I was 'alright' when he asked me to leave the room for an xray. He said 'you are NOT alright' and went on for quite some time about how dangerous it is. Now I leave the room and make sure there is an actual wall or door between me and the machine because apparently even the window isn't good enough. I trust him too.

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