Radiation Safety for the Cardiac Sonographer: Recommendations of the Radiation Safety Writing Group for the Council on Cardiovascular Sonography of the American Society of Echocardiography

McIlwain, Elizabeth; Coon, Patrick D.; Einstein, Andrew J.; Mitchell, Carol; Natello, Gregory W.; Palma, R.; Park, Margaret M.; Ranallo, Frank N.; Roberts, Marsha L.

doi:10.1016/j.echo.2014.05.015

Cited by 35 publications

(22 citation statements)

References 11 publications

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“…report that cardiac sonographers are increasingly being exposed to radiation through transesophageal echocardiography assisted fluoroscopically guided procedures (TEEFPs) and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) procedures in the cardiac catheterization laboratories. This predominantly occurs when patients have been injected for myocardial perfusion studies . Their publication makes radiation safety recommendations for cardiovascular sonographers that should be reviewed for relevance by institutions that perform TEEFP and TTE procedures.…”

Section: Radiation Protection Recommendationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Radiation exposure to sonographers from nuclear medicine patients: A review

Earl

Badawy

2018

J Med Imag Rad Onc

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Following nuclear medicine scans a patient can be a source of radiation exposure to the hospital staff, including sonographers. Sonographers are not routinely monitored for occupational radiation exposure as they do not commonly interact with radioactive patients or other sources of ionizing radiation. This review aims to find evidence relating to the risk and amount of radiation the sonographer is exposed to from nuclear medicine patients. It is established in the literature that the radiation exposure to the sonographer following diagnostic nuclear medicine studies is low and consequently the risk is not significant. Nevertheless, it is paramount that basic radiation safety principles are followed to ensure any exposure to ionizing radiation is kept as low as reasonably achievable. Practical recommendations are given to assist the sonographer in radiation protection. Nuclear medicine therapy procedures may place the sonographer at higher risk and as such consultation with a Radiation Safety Officer or Medical Physicist as to the extent of exposure is recommended.

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Section: Radiation Protection Recommendationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This predominantly occurs when patients have been injected for myocardial perfusion studies. 16 Their publication makes radiation safety recommendations for cardiovascular sonographers that should be reviewed for relevance by institutions that perform TEEFP and TTE procedures.…”

Section: Radiation Protection Recommendationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Radiation exposure to sonographers from nuclear medicine patients: A review

Earl

Badawy

2018

J Med Imag Rad Onc

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“…Cumulative workplace radiation exposure among cardiac sonographers remains unstudied. The American Society of Echocardiography issued a report in 2014 highlighting these concerns and recommends ongoing radiation education and safety measures for sonographers as well as ancillary staff working in the noninvasive cardiovascular laboratory . Despite these concerns, there are no studies to date that quantify annual workplace radiation exposure for sonographers.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The American Society of Echocardiography issued a report in 2014 highlighting these concerns and recommends ongoing radiation education and safety measures for sonographers as well as ancillary staff working in the noninvasive cardiovascular laboratory. 18 Despite these concerns, there are no studies to date that quantify annual workplace radiation exposure for sonographers. The purpose of this study is to quantify the annual cumulative workplace radiation exposure for cardiac sonographers and other employees working in a noninvasive cardiovascular laboratory.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Radiation exposure of cardiac sonographers working in an academic noninvasive cardiovascular imaging laboratory

Velez

Orsinelli

2017

Echocardiography

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Background and Aim Exposure to workplace radiation among cardiac sonographers has been felt to be low, and patient‐related sources have been considered negligible. Sonographers may be exposed to radiation from patient emitted sources as well as external sources in interventional laboratories. This study quantified radiation exposure to cardiac sonographers. Methods Cardiac sonographers, vascular imaging technologists, exercise physiologists, noninvasive nursing staff, and CT/MRI technologists were provided body dosimeter badges. Sonographers were provided dosimeter rings for their scanning hands. Radiation exposure was quantified from the dosimeter data, reported in millirems (mrem) for deep, eye, and shallow exposure, as well as shallow exposure data from the rings. Data were prospectively collected for 63 employees over a 12‐month period and retrospectively analyzed. Results The mean annual deep body exposure in sonographers was 8.2 mrem/year, shallow exposure 9.8 mrem/year, eye exposure 8.5 mrem/year, and ring exposure 207 mrem/year. There was a significant difference between body and ring exposure (P = .0002). When comparing exposure data between the vascular imaging technologists, CT/MRI technologists, noninvasive nursing staff, and the cardiac sonographers, there were no statistical differences (P > .23). Exercise physiologists had significantly higher exposure compared to sonographers (P < .03). Conclusion This single‐center experience demonstrates that, while exposure is low, cardiac sonographers are exposed to workplace radiation, most likely from patient emitted radiation. The finding that radiation exposure from rings exceeded body exposure supports this conclusion. Continued education and assessment of work flow practices should be employed to minimize staff radiation exposure.

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“…Despite the wide use of TOE, there are still many challenges for the cardiologist when handling the TOE probe: Many cardiac procedures are usually accompanied by X‐ray fluoroscopy imaging and, in a typical set‐up, the TOE operator is required to stand close to the path of the X‐rays . Although radiation protective clothing is required, up to 10% of the radiation from X‐ray is still able to pass through the shielding .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%