Radiographic workload and use factors for orthopedic facilities.
Observations of technique factors at 9 radiographic installations dedicated to orthopedic radiography have been made. Monthly area radiation measurements with thermoluminescent dosimeters were made at three of these facilities. The results of these observations and measurements suggest that current NCRP recommended assumptions utilized in protective barrier computations result in considerably more shielding than is necessary. We observed an average workload of 224 mA min/wk and a maximum weekly average of 670 mA min/wk. The use factor for the chest wall averaged 5%. That for all other vertical barriers was less than 1%. The average operating potential was 75 kVp. Room radiation measurements confirm the suggestion that at least two of the walls and the control booth barrier in an orthopedic radiographic facility may be considered secondary barriers.