Radiation and Fluoroscopy Safety in GI Endoscopy | January 2022-IAEA Poster: Staff Radiation Protection

IAEA Poster: Staff Radiation Protection

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This document provides 10 pearls of advice for radiation protection of staff in fluoroscopy. The first pearl is to keep hands outside the primary beam unless absolutely necessary, as having hands inside the central area of the primary beam increases exposure factors and doses to patients and staff. The second pearl suggests using protective devices, such as lead glass eyewear with side protection and a skirt type lead apron to distribute weight. The third pearl recommends using ceiling suspended screens, lateral shields, and table curtains as they provide over 90% protection from scattered radiation in fluoroscopy. The fourth pearl advises using mobile floor shielding when using cine acquisition. The fifth pearl states that only 1-5% of radiation falling on the patient's body exits the other side, so standing on the side of the transmitted beam, which contains only 1-5% of the incident radiation, is recommended. The sixth pearl suggests using personal dosimetry, including dosimeters inside and outside the apron, and a finger ring dosimeter for procedures requiring hands close to the primary beam. The seventh pearl encourages addressing concerns about radiation protection to radiation protection specialists. The eighth pearl emphasizes the importance of updating knowledge about radiation protection. The ninth pearl reminds users to know their equipment and use its features appropriately to help reduce doses to patients and staff. Finally, the tenth pearl states that quality control testing of fluoroscopy equipment and using injector devices can enable safe and stable performance. The document also mentions a related poster on radiation protection of patients in fluoroscopy.

Keywords

radiation protection

staff

fluoroscopy

hands outside primary beam

protective devices

lead glass eyewear

ceiling suspended screens

personal dosimetry

updating knowledge

quality control testing