Korean J Pain.  2014 Apr;27(2):162-167. 10.3344/kjp.2014.27.2.162.

The Radiation Exposure of Radiographer Related to the Location in C-arm Fluoroscopy-guided Pain Interventions

• Chang YJ
• Kim AN
• Oh IS
• Woo NS
• Kim HK
• Kim JH

• KMID: 2074063
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3344/kjp.2014.27.2.162

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Although a physician may be the nearest to the radiation source during C-arm fluoroscope-guided interventions, the radiographer is also near the fluoroscope. We prospectively investigated the radiation exposure of radiographers relative to their location.
METHODS
The effective dose (ED) was measured with a digital dosimeter on the radiographers' left chest and the side of the table. We observed the location of the radiographers in each procedure related to the mobile support structure of the fluoroscope (Groups A, M and P). Data about age, height, weight, sex, exposure time, radiation absorbed dose (RAD), and the ED at the radiographer's chest and the side of the table was collected.
RESULTS
There were 51 cases for Group A, 116 cases for Group M and 144 cases for Group P. No significant differences were noted in the demographic data such as age, height, weight, and male to female ratio, and exposure time, RAD and ED at the side of the table. Group P had the lowest ED (0.5 +/- 0.8 microSv) of all the groups (Group A, 1.6 +/- 2.3 microSv; Group M, 1.3 +/- 1.9 microSv; P < 0.001). The ED ratio (ED on the radiographer's chest/ED at the side of the table) of Group A was the highest, and the ED radio of Group P was the lowest of all the groups (Group A, 12.2 +/- 21.5%; Group M, 5.7 +/- 6.5%; Group P, 2.5 +/- 6.7%; P < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
Radiographers can easily reduce their radiation exposure by changing their position. Two steps behind the mobile support structure can effectively decrease the exposure of radiographers by about 80%.

Keyword

fluoroscope; radiation exposure; radiation safety; radiographer; pain intervention

MeSH Terms

Female
Humans
Male
Prospective Studies
Thorax

Figure

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  Fig. 1 The Group A, M and P according to the location of dosimeter at radiographer's left chest.

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  Fig. 2 Graph of linear no threshold model.

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