Occupational Radiation Dose, Especially for Eye Lens: Hp(3), in Medical Staff Members Involved in Computed Tomography Examinations

Abstract

Radiation dose management of medical staff has become increasingly important. Particularly, based on the statement by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) in 2011, a new lower equivalent dose limit for the eye lens is being established in each country. Although many reports have discussed the occupational radiation dose in interventional radiology (IR), few studies have examined the dose during computed tomography (CT) examinations. This study investigated the radiation dose exposure to medical staff present in the CT room during irradiation, with particular focus on the exposure to eye lens. The radiation dose exposure to those who assist patients during head, chest and upper abdomen CT examination was measured in a phantom study. The radiation dose exposure with scattered radiation was never negligible (i.e., high); Hp(3) was the highest in head CT examination, at 0.44 mSv per examination. Furthermore, the shielding effect of radiation protection glasses was large, and radiation protection glasses are useful tools for the medical staff who are involved in CT examinations. The justification and optimisation should be carefully considered in assistant actions.

Radiation Eye Dose for Physicians in CT Fluoroscopy-Guided Biopsy

“…The largest groups of workers who may be affected by lowering the lens dose limit of the eye are employed in the medical sector and are involved in CTF-guided interventional procedures [55,57]. Therefore, medical workers, during CTF-guided biopsies, should be to assess the eye dose and eye protection [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18]41,58].…”

“…Many reports have examined the occupational dose received by the eye lenses in various X-ray examinations such as interventional radiology (IR) procedures . However, few studies have discussed the radiation eye dose at 3 mm dose equivalent (Hp (3)) experienced by physicians during CTF-guided biopsy, although there has been a phantom study [41].…”