20 MI-42-0001 Rev. 19
SAFETY: Radiation Safety
2.7 Radiation Safety
2.7.1 General Radiation Safety Information
General Warning
AIRO produces ionizing radiation. Excessive exposure could cause serious injury.
As a result, visually monitor both system and patient during scans. If the Ring does
not move in the specified direction while radiation warning signals are provided (see
below), terminate the scan to ensure patient safety. For information about stopping
scans, see section
2.7.2 Safety Features Against Excessive Radiation
.
NOTE: Restrict access to AIRO in accordance with local regulations for radiation protection.
Radiation Warning
Signals
When X-rays are being produced, AIRO alerts personnel by these means:
• Yellow lights illuminate on the Gimbal.
• A yellow light illuminates on the Pendant display.
• The Pendant display screen says “Performing Scan.”
• AIRO emits a beeping tone.
NOTE: For helical scans, the audible X-ray alert is a constant beeping tone through entire length
of the scans. An audible X-ray alert that is not constant indicates a failure. If this occurs, terminate
the helical scan.
For axial scans, the audible X-ray alert is not constant through the entire length of the scan because
the scans use a sequential “step and shoot” format. In this format, the Gantry, or Ring, moves in the
z-direction, stops, scans in place with the audible alert tone, and then moves in the z-direction to the
next “step” of the scan. The number of “steps” is based on the length of the scan, with the alerts
beeping tone only active when the Ring has stopped and is performing the in place “shoot” portion
of the scan. An intermittent beeping tone during the x-ray portion of any of the “steps” indicates a
failure. If this occurs, discontinue use of system and contact Technical Service.
Operator
Requ
irement
During Scans
During scans when radiation warning signals are visible and audible, operators must visually monitor
Ring movement from starting to ending point throughout the duration of the scan. If at any time the
Ring stops moving as expected, terminate the scan.
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