Radiation Effects and Protection for Technologists and Other Health Care Professionals

To review and discuss how interventional technologists and other health care professionals can better reduce the potentially harmful effects of ionizing radiation.

A literature search was conducted using PubMed. Studies that investigated the biologic effects of ionizing radiation and methods of protection were included. Findings pertaining to radiation effects and protection were reported. Selected studies were assigned a level of evidence based on existing guidelines.

Radiation exposure can result in many health issues, including skin necrosis, radiation burns, cataracts, hair loss, birth defects, and cancers. Although understanding of radiation safety and radiobiology has greatly increased during the past century, radiation exposure in a medical setting still remains a risk to patients and health care providers. A thorough understanding of radiation safety, including the principles of time, distance, shielding, and technique, is essential. Patient factors also are important to consider.

All health care personnel should wear lead or lead-equivalent aprons and thyroid shields. Protective eyewear also is recommended in addition to the use of protective screens. Detachable drapes suspended from the sides of the table can reduce the dose greatly to the lower extremities of health care personnel and should be used when possible. Hoods might be beneficial, but proper use of a protective screen likely offers more benefit. Protective drapes placed on the surface of the patient can reduce dose to the operator but can be expensive and can increase dose to patients. Use of radiodense gloves and caps is not recommended. Patient shielding should not be a part of routine practice, as it offers no or negligible benefit and can increase dose and compromise image quality.

Technologists and health care professionals need to be aware of dose reduction strategies and should be seen as the gatekeeps to keep themselves, their coworkers, and patients safe. By adhering to evidence-based recommendations, technologists can keep the harmful effects of occupational radiation exposure to a minimum.