Underuse of hands-free radiology in small animal veterinary medicine increases radiation exposure risks for the veterinary professional.

The dangers of ionizing radiation are poorly understood and greatly underestimated in veterinary medicine, and veterinary professionals are exposed to radiation every day in clinical practice. Hands-free positioning techniques are taught in most universities and veterinary technology schools, although they are rarely utilized in veterinary practice. This article will define ionizing radiation, highlight the dangers of ionizing radiation to the radiation worker, describe how using hands-free positioning techniques can decrease the amount of veterinary professional radiation exposure, and address the unique challenges that the veterinary industry faces.