Recommendations for Interventionalists to Minimize Radiation Exposure
| Recommendations |
|---|
| 1. Interventionalists should wear wrap-around (not front-only) protective aprons with a lead-equivalent thickness ≥0.25 mm and protective collar with a lead-equivalent thickness ≥0.25 mm. |
| 2. Interventionalists are recommended to wear protective glasses with side panels having a lead-equivalent thickness ≥0.5 mm. |
| 3. The use of radiation shielding devices (e.g., vertical shields suspended from the patient table, ceiling or movable shields) is recommended to protect against scattered radiation. |
| 4. Using under-couch systems can reduce radiation exposure compared to over-couch system. |
| 5. Pulsed fluoroscopy is recommended to use instead of continuous fluoroscopy. |
| 6. Maintain the maximum possible distance from the X-ray tube of the fluoroscopy equipment. |
| 7. Minimize fluoroscopy time during procedures. |
| 8. Use the last-image-hold method instead of taking additional radiographs. |
| 9. Minimizing image enlargement during procedures can help reduce radiation exposure. |
| 10. Collimating the X-ray beam during procedures is recommended. |
| 11-1. The effective dose limit for interventionalists should be restricted to 20 mSv, averaged over defined periods of 5 years (maximum 50 mSv, per year). |
| 11-2. To prevent eye lens damage, the effective dose limit should be restricted to 20 mSv, averaged over defined periods of 5 years (maximum 50 mSv, per year). |
| 12. Measurement and collection of radiation dose data at each institution are essential for establishing Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs). |
| 13. Interventionalists should wear dosimeters to measure radiation exposure levels. |
| 14. Interventionalists should undergo health check-ups, including hemoglobin and white blood cell counts, every two years. |
| 15. Pregnant female interventionalists should maintain an effective dose of less than 2 mSv to the abdominal surface, beneath the protective apron, during the pregnancy period to ensure the healthy birth of the fetus. |
| 16. Female interventionalists planning pregnancy are recommended to maintain an effective dose of less than 5 mSv to the abdominal surface, beneath the protective apron, over three months. |