Lanterna Rally

Author: Mary T. Lally

Publisher:

Published: 2010

Total Pages: 144

ISBN-13:

It is widely recognized that the risks associated to both patients and medical personnel during therapeutic interventional procedures are greater than for other diagnostic studies due to the increased number, and complexity of the examinations resulting in increased radiation exposure. This report documents the practices of seven interventional radiologists at a large teaching facility over a three year period (2005 - 2007) and describes the processes implemented to optimize radiation safety in the department. The importance of oversight of the radiation safety program is reflected as the physicians' demonstrated significant improvement in wearing their dosimetry badges, and overall patient exposure time was reduced. The data collected is valuable as occupational exposure documentation for this high risk group is limited as there are no national reporting requirements. Collection of exposure data during the clinical setting is important to assess potential long term effects to physicians performing these types of procedures. The technical factors unique to the fluoroscopic system, biological effects and regulations will also be discussed as they relate to radiation exposure. The objectives of this undertaking were to: assess the clinical safety practices of these physicians, acquire representative exposure data for this high risk group, enforce compliance with the State regulations, and to implement an effective, ongoing radiation safety program. Implementing safe radiation practices is not a static issue, and requires ongoing oversight of physician training, compliance, and operating procedures which should be viewed as the standard of care.