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Radiation exposure of emergency physicians
Annals of Emergency Medicine
|October 1, 1982
Summary
Emergency physicians and radiology technicians receive higher occupational radiation exposure than house staff. While all exposures were below safety limits, understanding these differences is crucial for radiation safety protocols in hospitals.
Area of Science:
- Medical Physics
- Occupational Health
- Radiology
Background:
- Occupational radiation exposure is a concern for healthcare professionals.
- Emergency physicians and radiology technicians routinely work with ionizing radiation.
- Quantifying and comparing radiation doses across different medical roles is essential for safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively measure and compare radiation exposure levels in emergency physicians, radiology technicians, and house staff.
- To assess occupational radiation doses received during routine clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- Prospective measurement of radiation exposure using film dosimeters.
- Dosimeters worn at the lapel and dominant wrist for two-month intervals.
- Comparison of exposure data among 18 emergency physicians, 18 radiology technicians, and 18 house staff.
Main Results:
- Mean lapel exposure: 14 mrem (emergency physicians), 26 mrem (radiology technicians), 7 mrem (house staff) per two months.
- Mean wrist exposure: 43 mrem (emergency physicians), 25 mrem (radiology technicians), 5 mrem (house staff) per two months.
- Statistically significant differences in exposure were observed between certain groups, particularly at the wrist.
Conclusions:
- Emergency physicians and radiology technicians exhibit higher occupational radiation exposure compared to house staff.
- All measured exposure levels remained below maximum permissible doses for occupational exposure.
- Variations in protective garment use and procedure type influence individual exposure levels.