[Exposure of personnel in interventional radiology]

The surface dose at five typical positions around the patient couch was measured during transjugular intrahepatic porto-systemic stent shunt (TIPSS) interventions for retrospective calculation of staff dose. Additionally, the surface dose was measured on three members of staff (two radiologists and one technician) by placing thermoluminescence (TL) dosimeters directly on the eyebrows, thyroid, sternum, gonads, hands, knees, and feet. The measured surface dose values and the TL dosimeter measurements are used for estimation of effective dose per examination received by personnel. The effective dose for the radiologists is calculated to 25-35 microSv. The maximum number of examinations allowed per year is calculated on the basis of a given yearly dose limit, by looking at organ dose and effective body dose.