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Cocoon Training Manual
MaxRay Safety
MaxRay Safety
Backscatter Shield
Geometry of the Backscatter Zone
The Cocoon has a circular, lead infused plastic disc
(0.35 mm lead-equivalent) surrounding the X-ray
beam emission port. The purpose of this “backscat-
ter shield” is to absorb radiation scattered from the
patient’s jaw so that it doesn’t reach the operator.
The backscatter shield should never be removed,
as this shield is very eective at reducing radiation
scatter in the direction of the operator. As seen by
the figure, the shield, in relation to the patient’s head,
provides a safety zone in which the operator should
remain during exposures.
When producing an X-ray image, the operator should
stand directly behind the unit, holding it in the man-
ner shown. In order to maximize the backscatter
protection area, the emission port should be per-
pendicular to the area being radiographed, i.e., the
backscatter shield should be parallel to the operator.
The backscatter shield provides a safety zone to
the left of the green line.
Proper parallel orientation.
(Editor’s Note: The photograph was taken in a studio. In
the clinical setting, the patient and technician would be
wearing leaded protection.)
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