What protective measures should an operator take if they must remain in the room during patient CT scanning?

When considering the protective measures an operator should take while remaining in the room during a patient CT scan, the inclusion of both protective apparel and a gonad shield is crucial. Protective apparel, such as lead gowns, shields the operator from scatter radiation generated during the CT scanning process, which is important for minimizing overall exposure.

The addition of a gonad shield specifically protects reproductive organs from unintended radiation exposure, which is particularly important in scenarios where the operator may be positioned in close proximity to the scanning area. The use of a gonad shield is a targeted measure that mitigates risks associated with radiation exposure to sensitive tissues.

While personnel dosimeters are important tools for monitoring radiation exposure, their primary role is to track dose accumulation rather than provide protective coverage. Therefore, they do not serve as a preventive measure against exposure in the same way that protective apparel and gonad shields do. The combination of protective apparel and a gonad shield offers a comprehensive approach to radiation safety for operators present during CT procedures.