Monte Carlo evaluation of occupational exposures in equine radiology procedures

Abstract

Tube operators and assistants in veterinary radiology are required to work in close proximity to patients, resulting in increased occupational exposure to ionizing radiation. The use of portable X-ray equipment in equine examinations results in substantial radiation exposure arising from both primary and scattered radiation. In this study, the MCNP6.2 Monte Carlo code was employed to estimate the radiation doses received by veterinary personnel during radiographic examinations of equine thoracic spine pathologies. Anthropomorphic computational phantoms (MASH3 and FASH3) were used to represent the staff members, and a voxelized horse model was implemented to replicate the patient’s anatomy. The simulations incorporated spectra generated with SpekCalc at 90 kV and 100 kV for a x-ray tube with anodic angle of 20 ∘, equivalent filtration of 2.7 mmAl, and field of view of 43 × 35 cm2. Three protection scenarios were simulated: absence of shielding, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and PPE combined with distanceenhancing accessories. Equivalent dose (CC[HT]) and effective dose (CC[E]) conversion coefficients, normalized by air kerma, were determined. The results indicate that in the absence of protective measures, staff members face significant radiation exposure, with the thyroid and breast being the most affected organs in female and male phantoms, respectively. However, the adoption of lead-based PPE considerably reduces dose absorption, whereas the introduction of physical barriers and increased distance leads to reductions greater than 99 % in absorbed doses. These findings highlight the need to strengthen radiological protection protocols in the field of veterinary radiology.