In radiography, radiation workers are responsible to protect patients and their caregivers from adverse effects of X-rays during diagnostic procedures. The X-ray examination rooms are designated as controlled areas where only authorised persons are allowed to enter. However, sometimes radiographers allow next in-line patients’ and caregivers in X-ray examination room and ask them to stand behind the mobile lead shielding when exposure is on. The objectives of this study were to determine the amount of scatter radiation dose at different heights with respect to the floor in the X-ray examination room and to educate and increase the awareness of radiation workers about the scattered radiation in minimizing the unnecessary radiation dose to patient’s caregivers. Siemens Multix Top X-ray system was used. Kyoto Kagaku PBU-50 whole body phantom was scanned. The phantom (torso) was positioned for anteroposterior (AP) lumbar projection on the examination table. The nanoDot OSLDs were fixed behind the lead shielding at different heights (120, 130, 140, 150, 160 and 170 cm) with respect to the floor 2.5 meters away from the central ray of X-ray beam. The phantom was exposed using different tube voltages 68 kVp, 79 kVp and 90 kVp at a constant tube current of 32 mAs fixing a 100 cm source to image distance (SID). Scatter radiation doses measured at different heights were different for each exposure. The highest scattered radiation dose measured was 6.4 mGy at 130 cm height for 79 kVp exposure. In conclusion the measured scattered radiation doses were within the acceptable annual dose limits as recommended by NCRP 116 and ICRP 103 for patient caregiver. However, a smallest amount of radiation dose may increase the risk of cancer. Thus, the negligence must not be overlooked because it exposes the caregiver to unnecessary radiation.
Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) such as multidrug-resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii and Escherichia coli are important pathogens associated with nosocomial infections in both human and animal health care facilities. Surfaces of inanimate objects in health care facilities can serve as sources of infection. However, studies on prevalence of these pathogens in veterinary settings are lacking in the country. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine the occurrence of A. baumannii and E. coli and the occurrence of MDR isolates on surfaces of inanimate objects in veterinary health care facilities in Klang Valley, Malaysia. In this study, swab samples were taken from 65 surfaces of inanimate objects that included door knobs, examination tables, labcoats, stethoscopes and weighing scales. The swab samples were cultured and all isolates were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility test. The study revealed that the occurrence of A. baumannii was 9.23% and 5 out of 6 (83.33%) A. baumannii isolates were classified as MDR. However, no E. coli was isolated. In conclusion, surfaces of inanimate objects can be a source of MDR A. baumannii in veterinary health care facilities that is of animal and public health concern.