In this poster we will review the survey on knowledge and attitude regarding screening practices for pregnancy in childbearing age in a radiology department, the 10Day Rule, 28Day Rule and the effects of ionizing radiation to pregnancy. The aim is to analyze the knowledge and attitude of staffs in a diagnostic radiology department in screening females of childbearing age before radiological investigations involving ionizing radiations and subsequently improve our clinical practice. Background: The incidence of accidental prenatal exposure increased appreciably over the past years, owing...

A self-administered questionnaire in English was given to the staffs. An immediate response was requested and the questionnaires were collected upon completion. In order to facilitate understanding of the questions and increase the response rate, a coordinator was present to help the respondents. All data collected was made anonymous, stored and controlled by the authors. Sample of questionnaire distributed: 1. Have you heard of the 10Day Rule? 2. Define 10 Day Rule. 3. Have you heard of the 28Day Rule? 4. Define 28 Day Rule....

There were 72 respondents who participated in and completed the survey (92.3% response rate). The respondents were physicians (88%), non-physicians i.e. radiographers and nurses (93.8%). More than half (61.1%)were seniors, i.e. any staffs with 5 years or more working experience. Table 1. Awareness of both Rules among the staffs. Total of 72 respondents. 10Day Rule 28Day Rule Knowledge Yes: 56 (78%) No: 20 (22%) Yes: 25 (34.7%) No: 47 (65.3%)  Majority of the staffs were aware of the 10Day Rule (78%) and but not...

This study shows that The staffs are generally supportive of safety precautions with regard to prevent radiating fetus accidentally. Most junior staffs are generally lacking in knowledge regarding Rules that help to prevent radiating fetus. Most female staffs found these Rules unreliable and doubt the significance to our practice. The study suggests that all staffs should have more information and knowledge about effects of ionizing radiation to pregnancy to raise the awareness and subsequently be more prudent in clinical practice. Educational programs of such should...

Reference: 1. Sternberg J. Radiation and Pregnancy. Pubmed. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/4577600 2. Valentin J, Editor, Annals of the ICRP, Publication 84: Pregnancy and Medical Radiation, International Commission on Radiological Protection, Volume 30, No. 1. Tarrytown, New York: Pergamon, Elsevier Science, Inc., 2000. 3. Osei EK, Faulkner K.Fetal doses from radiological examinations. Br J Radiol. 1999 Aug;72(860):773-80. PMID: 10624343 4. Cunningham FG, MacDonald PC, Gant NF, Leveno KJ, Gilstrap LC, eds. Williams Obstetrics. 20th ed. Stamford, Conn.: Appleton & Lange, 1997:1045-57 5. Schull WJ, Effects of Atomic Radiation,...

L.C.Lau, H.S.Teh, T.W.Choy. Department of Radiology, Khoo Teck Phuat Hospital, Yishun, Singapore. mail to: [email protected]