Congress:
EuroSafe Imaging 2020
Keywords:
Action 4 - Dose management systems, Radioprotection / Radiation dose, Fluoroscopy, Dosimetry, Radiation safety, Quality assurance, Not applicable, Performed at one institution
Authors:
P. Gilligan, B. M. L. McCoubrey, S. Maguire, S. J. Eustace
DOI:
10.26044/esi2020/ESI-15161
Conclusion and recommendations
The recorded doses on the c-arms were less than the occupational dose limits and are shown in Fig 2.
The recorded doses showed that the risk of exceeding a dose limit this close to the scatter source even without lead protection was small. The scattered dose recorded was considered to reflect the complexity and workload of the c-arms. This information was reassuring to staff and used in staff training and risk assessments.
Our conclusion is that machine based dosimetry monitoring has useful implications in radiation protection in a theatre environment. Theatre staff typically rotate through theatres of varying workloads and use of image intensifiers and compliance with dosimetry monitoring can be difficult to maintain. In addition this research study allowed us to assess current theatre shielding requirements against existing structures.
Limitations include that the reassurance it provides may lead to a sense of complacency among theatre staff and may lead to a reduction in PPE compliance and also that the geometry of the selected badge location may shield recorded doses.