Assessment of Occupational Dose in Fluoroscopy Procedures When Individual Monitoring Is Not Utilized

Abstract

Fluoroscopy procedures may lead to increased radiation exposure of radiologists and other staff members. The objective of the study is to assess whole body radiation doses and doses to the eye in fluoroscopy procedures, based on measurements that allow for estimates of occupational doses when personal dosimeters have not been used. Four geometrical configurations were considered: overcouch x-ray tube with and without table mounted lead rubber curtains in place, undercouch x-ray tube with horizontal x-ray beam and undercouch x-ray tube with vertical x-ray beam. The doses were estimated using distribution of the scattered radiation and typical workload, as well as the pattern of used of protective tools. Estimated effective dose was in the range from few to 60 mu Sv per procedure for radiologist, and from few to 20 mu Sv per procedure for radiographer, depending on the geometrical configuration and level of personal protection. Corresponding unprotected eye doses were estimated to be in the range 0.03 - 2.8 mSv per procedure for radiologist and 0.02-0.78 mSv for radiographer. The presented results allowed for realistic estimations of the occupational whole body dose and dose to the eyes from the workload of the staff members and from the level of use of radiation protection tools when personal dosimeters have not been regularly used.