Occupational Radiation Dose Trends in U.S. Radiologic Technologists Assisting with Fluoroscopically Guided
Cato M Milder1, David Borrego2, Dale L Preston3
1Radiation Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland.
Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology : JVIR
|April 10, 2024
Summary
Occupational radiation doses for technologists assisting with fluoroscopically guided interventional procedures (FGIPs) were generally low between 1980-2020. Doses varied based on proximity, procedure type, and frequency, emphasizing radiation safety training.
Area of Science:
- Radiological Sciences
- Occupational Health
- Medical Physics
Background:
- Fluoroscopically guided interventional procedures (FGIPs) are crucial in modern medicine.
- Technologists assisting in FGIPs are subject to occupational radiation exposure.
- Understanding dose trends is vital for radiation safety and effective training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze dose trends from 1980 to 2020 for U.S. Radiologic Technologists assisting with FGIPs.
- To investigate dose variations based on work history characteristics and procedural factors.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of annual personal dose equivalents for 19,651 technologists within the U.S. Radiologic Technologists (USRT) cohort (1980-2020).
- Dose estimation considered patient proximity, monthly procedure frequency, and procedure type.
- Descriptive statistics and box plots were used to summarize dose trends.
Main Results:
- Median annual dose for assisting with FGIPs was 0.65 mSv.
- Higher doses were associated with close patient proximity (median 1.20 mSv), high procedure frequency (≥20/month, median 0.75 mSv), and high-dose procedures (median 0.70 mSv).
- Significant variability in occupational doses was observed.
Conclusions:
- Occupational doses for FGIP assistance are generally low but influenced by exposure factors.
- Highlights the importance of continuous dose monitoring and adherence to radiation safety protocols.
- Reinforces the need for specialized radiation safety training and appropriate protective equipment for technologists.
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