EVALUATION OF ANNUAL RADIATION EXPOSURE OF STAFF IN A CARDIAC CATHETERIZATION DEPARTMENT IN SAUDI ARABIA.

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Radiological Protection
• Cardiology

Background:

• Occupational radiation exposure is a significant concern in interventional cardiology.
• Cardiac catheterization procedures involve significant radiation use, necessitating dose assessment for staff.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the annual effective dose for cardiologists and nurses undergoing cardiac catheterization.
• To measure Hp(10) and Hp(0.07) doses using thermo-luminescent dosemeters (TLD-100).

Main Methods:

• 16 staff members in interventional cardiology were monitored over one year.
• Calibrated thermo-luminescent dosemeters (TLD-100, LiF:Mg,Ti) were used for occupational dose measurement.
• Hp(10) and Hp(0.07) doses were recorded for cardiologists, nurses, and technologists.

Main Results:

• The overall mean annual Hp(10) for cardiologists was 3.7 mSv (range: 0.13-14.5 mSv).
• The overall mean annual Hp(0.07) for cardiologists was 3.2 mSv (range: 0.21-14.7 mSv).
• Cardiologists received higher doses than nurses and technologists, with significant variations based on workload.

Conclusions:

• Staff adherence to radiation protection guidelines (shielding) was observed.
• Cardiologists require careful monitoring due to higher occupational radiation exposure during cardiac procedures.
• Lens dose measurement is recommended to ensure compliance with dose limits.