Patient and staff dosimetry during radiographic procedures in an intensive care unit

Abstract

The performance of radiography in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) may be associated with a certain level of radiation exposure for staff and patients in the unit. Little evidence on exposure levels is available in the literature. However, healthcare professionals in the ICUs at our centre tend to leave the room during radiographic examinations, potentially compromising patient care. The objectives of this study were to quantify dose levels within the ICU and to evaluate the performance of ICU x-ray studies according to patient dose measurements. This study was conducted in the 18-bed ICU of a third-level hospital. The scattering radiation due to mobile x-ray examinations was measured by using four personal thermoluminiscent dosimeters (TLDs). The dose area product (DAP) was measured at each examination using a transmission chamber installed on the diaphragm of the x-ray equipment. Based on the TLD readings and taking account of the error margin, the annual dose to patients and staff was less than 0.6 mSv. The value given by the DAP meter for chest x-rays was 94 ± 17 mGy cm(2); this value is well below the lower limit recommended by different agencies and committees. Exposure levels were found to be extremely low and pose no apparent risk to staff or to those in beds adjacent to the patients undergoing x-ray examinations, which were correctly performed in the unit.

COVID‐19 pandemic and the effect of increased utilisation of mobile X‐ray examinations on radiation dose to radiographers

“…Before the COVID‐19 pandemic, mobile imaging of regions other than the chest was relatively rare at the study sites (<6%). Other institutions have reported higher rates of up to 25% 38,39 …”

Scatter Radiation Distribution to Radiographers, Nearby Patients and Caretakers during Portable and Pediatric Radiography Examinations

“…In recent years, the use of portable X-rays has significantly increased by 1.7-fold due to COVID-19 [9]. This study, with other studies, commonly used thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD) to estimate occupational doses [4,5,9]. These studies concluded that the average reported doses remained significantly lower than the annual occupational whole-body dose limit or lens dose limit of 20 mSv set by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) [10].…”

“…Other than interventional radiology, scatter radiation may affect other parties in various settings. Scatter radiation from portable X-rays in wards could affect nearby patients and healthcare professionals [4,5]. While scatter radiation from pediatric X-rays may affect caregivers who help with the positioning of infants.…”

Patient doses and occupational exposure in a hybrid operating room

“…The reported uncertainty for the dose readings of these dosimeters is less than 7% with a lower limit of detectability of 0.1 mSv [24]. The TLD badges are worn under the lead apron at the chest height and are collected and read monthly.…”