Nichiyu Giken - Radiation Indicators for Interventional Radiology

Nichiyu Giken is an R&D company that manufactures specialised radiation exposure tracking garments for use in healthcare environments.

Our RadiMap™ radiation exposure tracking garments provide indicators which show radiation exposure locations and approximate doses during Interventional Radiology (IVR) treatment. RadiMap garments are sure to become a new, useful management tool in radiology, significantly enhancing levels of safety and reliability in the healthcare sector.

As well as manufacturing radiation exposure tracking garments for use in interventional radiology, Nichiyu Giken also produces temperature indicators, ocean exploration equipment, thermite welding powders and moulds, power transmission failure indicators, reinforcement materials for construction work, rocket pyrotechnics and gas generators.

RADIMAP RADIATION EXPOSURE TRACKING GARMENTS

In conducing IVR procedures, areas irradiated with X-rays vary with operation conditions such as the patient's physical characteristics and the location of IVR operation. While the total amount of irradiated X-rays can be measured using special-purpose instruments, the amount of exposure on different parts of the patient's body is difficult to assess.

RadiMap products address these problems. Chemical indicators, which are directly attached to our specially developed RadiMap cap and vest, show the location where maximum exposure to X-rays has occurred during an IVR procedure.

By referring to reference colour charts provided by the manufacturer and comparing colour changes, the radiation dosage allowed for a patient in an IVR operation can be calculated.

Features:

• RadiMap is manufactred in two designs: RadiMap vest (VX-B) and RadiMap cap (CX-B)
• Any change in the colour of the indicators shows the patient's exposure to radiation during an IVR procedure
• Does not require X-ray film processing. Exposure is easily visible immediately afterwards
• The radiation-sensitive indicators are directly attached on the RadiMap cap and vest, allowing ease in handling
• The RadiMap cap, vest and, radiation-sensitive indicators are not obtrusive. They have no effect on radiology and will not in any way interfere with the IVR procedure
• The operator can estimate the location and approximate radiation dose on the head or the back, since RadiMap garments follow the contour of these body parts
• The colour of the RadiMap indicators changes from the original yellow, within the X-ray energy range of 70-150kV, corresponding with the intensity of the radiation