A new radiochromic dosimetry film was tested to determine its potential for patient skin dose monitoring in a fluoroscopically intensive environment such as the cardiac catheterization laboratory. The dose, time, energy, dose fractionation, dose rate, and sheet to sheet uniformity response were tested. All tests support the conclusion that this is a simple, noninvasive, retrospective method to identify skin regions at risk from high x-ray doses. The consistency and accuracy of dose measurements allow for an estimation of the localized skin dose to those patients who are susceptible to radiation induced skin injury.

Review of research protocols involving positron emission tomography studies on healthy volunteers focused attention on the radiation exposure disclosure statements contained in the informed consent form. Of particular concern was the observation that breast doses from positron emission tomography studies are greater than breast doses from other research uses of radioisotopes, as well as routine nuclear medicine and radiographic procedures. Disclosure of individual organ doses is not normally provided on informed consent forms. A worksheet was developed to aid research investigators in the determination of effective dose equivalents and organ dose equivalents from all sources of radiation to which a volunteer is exposed. Three standardized risk statements are discussed. The final selection and use of these statements are determined by worksheet calculations of effective dose equivalents and organ dose equivalents.

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