From the October 2012 issue of HealthCare Business News magazine
- NUCLEAR SHIELDING
Ask for advice: End users shouldn’t be afraid to ask their vendor for advice on complying with ALARA (As Low as Reasonably Achievable) guidelines, to aid them in decreasing radiation dose. This should be an integral part of an end users work habits, with regards to nuclear shielding.
- RADIATION SHIELDING
Consider a shielding company that can provide a variety of materials (competitively): This could possibly solve several variations to a single shielding challenge - it’s always a balance between, required shielding, cost and space.
- Troubleshooting problems and solutions: Try to agree with the company on as many parameters as possible in advance. The shielding required for a low energy 6MV linac is less than for a high-energy 18MV linac. The client should be clear what the design parameters are before they start to design the room.
- • Survey: Some clients have neighbors (either next door or on another floor in the same building) that are concerned that a radiation source will be next to their property. The neighbor can be reassured that the radiation levels are safe and low through a radiation survey and/or giving the neighbor a dosimeter badge to measure radiation levels.
- RF SHIELDING
Get product information: The customer should find out if the shielding company being considering provides worthy products, and if they build their own products or outsource them.
- Knowledge in the MRI field: This is essential to a smooth RF shielding project. There are many people who offer shielding services, but it is wise to choose a vendor who specializes solely in MRI shielding.
- Check references: This is the only way to determine if the vendor provides quality shielding on a consistent basis.
- GENERAL SHIELDING TIPS
Communicate and confirm: Last minute changes by architects or contractors (e.g. drilling a new hole through a shielded ceiling or move the bunker 2 feet to the left) need to be checked with the shielding company. All contractors need to understand that the shielding should not be altered without checking with the shielding company.
- Plan for the future: For example, the customer should consider in advance the likelihood of a new building being built on that currently empty parking lot next door. If so, the shielding may need to be increased.
Experts contributing these tips were: Bob Ranieri, VP of sales, Biodex; Chris Lewis, manager of design and engineering, NELCO; Corey Hess, account manager, National MRI Shielding; Steven Johnston, director of physics, Veritas Medical Solutions
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