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Radiation Exposure in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Newborns and Staff
Salih Cagri Cakir1, Bayram Ali Dorum1, Nilgun Koksal1
1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Bursa Uludag University Faculty of Medicine, Gorukle, Bursa, Turkey.
Insights
Premature infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) experience significant radiation exposure from portable X-rays. Continuous monitoring and reduced exposure measures are recommended for both infants and staff.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal intensive care
- Medical imaging
- Radiation safety
Background:
- Portable X-rays are common in neonatal intensive care units (NICU).
- Premature infants are highly sensitive to radiation effects.
- Diagnostic radiation carries stochastic risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine radiation exposure in premature infants and NICU staff.
- To assess radiation scattering during X-ray examinations in the NICU.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving dosimeters on premature infants (≤1,250g birth weight, ≤30 weeks gestational age) and NICU staff.
- Radiation doses measured during X-ray exams over a 1-month period.
- Scattered radiation measured at various locations outside incubators.
Main Results:
- Mean radiation exposure for premature infants was 3.65 ± 2.44 mGy.
- Mean skin dose for staff was 0.087 ± 0.0998 mSv.
- Mean scattered dose measured was 67.9 ± 26.5 µGy.
Conclusions:
- High radiation exposures observed in 90% of infant patients and two staff members.
- Continuous monitoring of radiation exposure for infants and staff is necessary.
- Encouraging measures and alternative methods to reduce radiation exposure is crucial.
Objective:
Portable X-rays remain one of the most frequently used diagnostic procedures in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). Premature infants are more sensitive to radiation-induced harmful effects. Dangers from diagnostic radiation can occur with stochastic effects. We aimed to determine the radiation exposure in premature infants and staff and determine the scattering during X-ray examinations in the NICU.
Study Design:
In this prospective study, dosimeters were placed on premature infants who were ≤1,250 g at birth and ≤30 weeks of gestational age who stayed in the NICU for at least 4 weeks. The doses were measured at each X-ray examination during their stay. The measurements of the nurses and the doctors in the NICU were also performed with dosimeters over the 1-month period. Other dosimeters were placed in certain areas outside the incubator and the results were obtained after 1 month.
Results:
The mean radiation exposure of the 10 premature infants, monitored with dosimeters, was 3.65 ± 2.44 mGy. The mean skin dose of the six staff was 0.087 ± 0.0998 mSV. The mean scattered dose was 67.9 ± 26.5 µGy.
Conclusion:
Relatively high exposures were observed in 90% of the patients and two staff. The radiation exposure levels of premature infants and staff may need to be monitored continuously.
Key Points:
· The premature infants are exposed to radiation due to the bedside X-rays.. · The radiation exposure levels of premature infants and staff may need to be monitored continuously.. · Measures and alternative methods to reduce radiation exposure should be encouraged..
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