#0140 A multicenter study of radiation doses to the eye lenses of clinical physicians performing radiology procedures in Japan
Assessing The Radiation Risk to Physicians Involved in Conducting Radiology Procedures
X-rays and other forms of radiation are frequently used to assist with many medical procedures. For instance, in interventional radiology procedures, x-rays are used to look inside the patient's body to assist with minimally invasive medical procedures. However, prolonged exposure to radiation can cause tissue damage. Physicians who perform such procedures are especially vulnerable as they are repeatedly exposed to radiation throughout their careers. Among the various tissues in the body, the lens of the eye is particularly vulnerable because it is very sensitive to radiation damage.
Considering the dangers, the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) recommended in 2011 that the radiation dose to the lens of the eye be limited. Consequently, the radiation limits were lowered in Japan from 150 mSv to 100 mSv over 5 years, without exceeding 50 mSv in any single year.
In this study, researchers from Japan assessed whether current hospital practices and safety procedures meet the new radiation guidelines and provide the necessary protection to doctors. Following the initial survey, recommendations were made to improve the safety of the physicians and protect the lens of the eye from radiation. Fourteen physicians who performed radiology procedures participated in the study, and the effectiveness of the control measures was assessed based on the reduction in radiation dose to the eye lens.
While control measures such as lead glasses and radiation shields were available at the facilities, an initial assessment found that many physicians had either not used or were not trained to use the protective equipment. However, the researchers found that the radiation limits could be met by implementing the principle of “multiple radiation protection”, with the proper use of the existing protective equipment, such as lead glasses, ceiling-mounted shields, and scatter protection curtains.
The researchers also recommended altering medical procedures to avoid excessive radiation exposure. This included vacating the room while imaging, reducing the radiation doses, and restricting the radiation to the target area. A general conclusion of the study is that physicians must be trained in radiation protection and urged to comply with current guidelines.
Link to original journal article:
https://academic.oup.com/joh/article/63/1/e12305/7249780
Title of the paper:
A multicenter study of radiation doses to the eye lenses of clinical physicians performing radiology procedures in Japan
Authors:
Keisuke Nagamoto, Takashi Moritake, Koichi Nakagami, Koichi Morota, Satoru Matsuzaki, Naoki Kunugita
