Bluetooth and Microcontroller Enabled Wireless Exposure Switch Development for X-ray Mobile Unit to Improve Radiation Protection

The possibility of radiographers being exposed to harmful scattered radiation in X-ray examinations with X-ray mobile unit is higher because the locations are not possibly designed with protective shielding. The longer distance of the exposure position can minimize the exposure to the radiographer, but is limited to the length of the wire. This study aims to develop a wireless exposure switch with Bluetooth and microcontroller and to verify its performance for safer X-ray mobile examinations. Wireless exposure switch was developed based on Bluetooth version 4 and microcontroller Arduino Nano. Performance tests were performed in the laboratory, consisting of functional test to each component, connection test from 1–15 m, response time from the transmitter to the receiver, and its ability to produce X-ray image. Data were analyzed descriptively to find out the performance. The developed wireless exposure switch can trigger an exposure up to 15 m, 6 times longer than the conventional wire exposure switch. The average response times are 0.061 s for electrons forming and 0.059 s for X-ray forming. It is compatible with an installed X-ray mobile system to produce X-ray images. The Bluetooth and microcontroller-enabled exposure switch are functionally tested and applicable to the X-ray mobile unit. It is prospective to be applied for minimizing radiation exposure for radiographers.