Which barrier is designed to attenuate stray (scatter) radiation?

Which barrier is designed to attenuate stray (scatter) radiation?

• A. PRIMARY PROTECTIVE BARRIER
• B. SECONDARY PROTECTIVE BARRIER
• C. AMBIENT BARRIER
• D. SHIELDING BARRIER

Answer: (B)

Scatter radiation comes from photons that are diverted when the primary beam meets the patient or objects in the room. To protect areas that might receive this stray radiation, a secondary protective barrier is used. This barrier is placed to intercept scatter and leakage, not the direct primary beam, and is designed with enough lead shielding to keep exposure within limits given the room’s workload and occupancy. The primary protective barrier is meant to stop the direct, on-axis beam, so it isn’t the barrier that targets scatter. The other terms aren’t the standard designation for attenuating scatter in a radiographic room.

Scatter radiation comes from photons that are diverted when the primary beam meets the patient or objects in the room. To protect areas that might receive this stray radiation, a secondary protective barrier is used. This barrier is placed to intercept scatter and leakage, not the direct primary beam, and is designed with enough lead shielding to keep exposure within limits given the room’s workload and occupancy. The primary protective barrier is meant to stop the direct, on-axis beam, so it isn’t the barrier that targets scatter. The other terms aren’t the standard designation for attenuating scatter in a radiographic room.