Evaluation of Scatter and Zone of Occupancy for a Hand-Held X-Ray Device

Nova Southeastern University, Davie, Florida, USA

Scatter radiation from the patient could be of concern for the population in close proximity to the occupancy zone when using a hand-held x-ray device. It is claimed that Kavo Nomad Pro-2 (Kavo Kerr) external shielding device eliminates scatter radiation. The objective of this study was to test and verify this claim. The scatter radiation of the Kavo Nomad Pro-2 was tested in an operatory room evaluating the horizontal and vertical occupancy zones. The scatter radiation was measured using a solid-state detector TNT 12000 Dosimeter detector and ion chamber. In the center of the room the operator was located at o degree coordinate point. From “0” degree coordinate point were tracings every 30 degrees in the floor. The exposures using the Kavo Nomad Pro-2 will be made at intervals of 10 seconds from 0 to 140 cm distance in 35 cm increments every 30 degrees intervals and the ion chamber will be placed in each location. The highest scatter radiation at a horizontal occupancy zone was reported at 180 degrees. Whereas the highest scatter radiation measured at the vertical occupancy zone was at 180 and 150 degrees at a distance of 35 cm.