Mammogram - Can the Tech. Zap X-tra Radiation?

Question

I had an unpleasant Mammogram experience this week. (The results were fine) When I asked the Tech. for a thyroid shield, she was annoyed, said it wasn't necessary and why did I want it, etc. Just for extra protection I said. She had to go down the hall to another area, and came back without it because there was an exam underway in that room. She said in an annoyed tone we would have to wait. I was apologetic but said I'd like to wait for the shield. The next time she went back she slammed the door on her way out and finally returned with a gonad shield for little boys, to use as a thyroid shield. Meanwhile I had wrapped the waist shield around me, and she said it was too high and lowered it, and scoffed that it was only needed if someone wanted to protect their fertility (I am post menopausal) And if it got in the way she would have to retake pictures. When she finally took the digital pictures. I thought the time that she activated the X-Ray machine seemed longer (at least 5 seconds for each picture) than it should take. My question: How much control does the technician have over the radiation exposure? Can they zap you longer than necessary if they just don't like you, say if you annoyed them with a need for protective gear? Or can the machine only use a fixed anount of radiation exposure for each picture? Does the machine record and keep a record of how much exposure was used for each exam? Is there anyway I can find out what my actual dose was, and if it was too high? Are there any regulations about what protective equipment should be made available to those who request it? I will never get another mammogram at that facility again. Should I complain about the lack of protective shields available and the rude treatment I received for asking for it? Who can I complain to in Massahcusetts?

This discussion is related to too much radiation (via mammograms)?.

caregiver222 · Answer

Well, she didn't give you a longer exposure because you heard noise for a long period. There are several types of x-ray machines, and the noise comes from coolant or a rotating wheel inside the machine and has nothing to do with the dose. You were entirely correct to request a shield. I have taken thousands of x-rays (not lately) and as an experiment took dental film and put a pellet of lead on the films. Placed them all over the room and on various places outside of the field of the machine. I developed the dental films and there was fogging. X-ray machines must be inspected. The ones in the doctor's offices provide the most hazard. They often purchase second hand machines. Trying to convince the average x-ray tech to use additional shielding is an exercise in futility. Complaining will probably do no good. The entire profession is unconscious regarding radiation hazards.