Optimising Radiation Dose Estimation: UNSCEAR DAP-to-ED Conversion in Uterine Artery Embolisation

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Radiology
• Radiation Safety

Background:

• Interventional radiology (IR) requires monitoring of radiation dose exposure for patients and staff.
• Dose-area product (DAP) measures radiation output but doesn't directly correlate with stochastic risks.
• Effective dose (ED) estimation using conversion factors is crucial for assessing IR radiation exposure risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical utility of dose-area product (DAP) to effective dose (ED) conversion factors.
• To improve knowledge and assessment of radiation risks in interventional radiology procedures.
• To assess the effectiveness of dose optimization techniques in reducing radiation exposure.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of DAP data from uterine artery embolisation (UAE) procedures.
• Utilized conversion factors from the UNSCEAR Global Survey on Medical Exposure User Manual.
• Compared two groups: standard protocols (Group A, n=50) and dose optimization techniques (Group B, n=50).

Main Results:

• Multivariable linear regression confirmed a significant correlation between DAP and converted ED values (p < 0.01).
• Mean ED was 9.5 mSv for Group A and 8.7 mSv for Group B.
• The UNSCEAR User Manual demonstrated potential as a DAP-to-ED estimation tool.

Conclusions:

• A strong correlation exists between DAP and ED conversions, validating the UNSCEAR manual for IR procedures.
• The mean ED is comparable to one abdominal CT scan, highlighting the significance of radiation dose.
• Implementing DAP-to-ED conversion enhances awareness of radiation exposure for clinicians and patients.