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Occupational Precautions for Pregnant Employees

Safety Precautions

"A new study out of Australia suggests that pregnant veterinarians who have occupational exposure to anesthetic gases, radiation or pesticides may have twice the risk of miscarriage...In general, the AVMA as well as U.S. veterinary specialists in radiology and anesthesiology do recommend that pregnant veterinary personnel pay special attention to protective measures for reducing occupational exposures."

-Burns, Katie (2008, May 15). JAVMA Vol 232 No 10, 1445-1447.

preg apron
 



preg glove

1.  No person under 18 years of age or pregnant employees should be exposed to ionizing radiation when radiographing animals.

 

2.  Stay away from the primary x-ray beam. The further away from the x-ray beam, the less your potential for radiation exposure. If you must hand hold, stand on the anode side of the tube as this will help decrease your exposure.


3.  Collimate the x-ray beam to the area of interest.


4.  Use techniques to decrease the need to retake the radiographs.


5.  Wear protective garb – lead gowns, gloves, thyroid shields.


6.  Monitor any exposure with a radiation detection badge.