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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.

A simple inexpensive eyeshield, made of thin sheets of lead apron material laminated to a 5- X 15-cm sheet of x-ray film base, which is taped to the temple nearest the lateral x-ray tube prior to the completion of standard simultaneous biplane posteroanterior (PA) and lateral angiograms, results in a significant reduction in radiation exposure to the lens of the eye. The shield protects the eye lens without significantly imparing the quality of the radiographs. Compared with reported radiation exposure for standard cerebral vascular angiography, use of this device can produce a 20-fold drop in radiation exposure to the lens.

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