American Journal of Roentgenology, Vol 148, Issue 5, 969-972
Copyright © 1987 by American Roentgen Ray Society
Radiation exposure reduction by use of Kevlar cassettes in the neonatal nursery
MW Herman,
HK Mak,
and
RS Lachman
A study was performed to determine whether the use of Kevlar cassettes in the neonatal intensive care nursery would reduce radiation exposure to patients. The radiation dose to the neonates was measured by using thermoluminescent dosimeters. In addition, the attenuation of the Kevlar cassettes and the sensitivity of the film-screen combination were compared with the previously used system. The greatest radiation reduction using a mobile X-ray unit was 27%; based on sensitivity measurements, the theoretical reduction averaged 38%. The reduction in radiation exposure resulted from reduced attenuation by the Kevlar cassette.