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Nessipkhan A, Matsuda N, Takamura N, Oriuchi N, Ito H, Kiguchi M, Nishihara K, Tamaru T, Awai K, Kudo T. Occupational radiation exposure among medical personnel in university and general hospitals in Japan. Jpn J Radiol 2024:10.1007/s11604-024-01579-3. [PMID: 38705937 DOI: 10.1007/s11604-024-01579-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to compare the occupational radiation exposure of medical workers between general hospitals and university hospitals. METHODS Radiation exposure data from three hospitals in Hiroshima city, including one university hospital and two general hospitals, were collected using personal dosimeters. Monthly radiation doses were analyzed, and the annual sum of radiation exposure dose was calculated for 538 subjects in general hospitals and 1224 subjects in the university hospital. To assess the impact of locality, additional data from Nagasaki University Hospital and Fukushima Medical University Hospital were included for comparative analysis. Professional affiliations, such as doctors, nurses, and radiological technologists, were considered in the evaluation. RESULTS The study revealed slight but significant differences in radiation doses between general and university hospitals. In general hospitals, except for radiological technologists, a slightly higher radiation dose was observed compared to university hospitals. Despite the annual increase in the use of medical radiation, the majority of hospital workers in both settings adhered to safety guidelines, with occupational radiation exposure remaining below the limit of detection (LOD). Workers who involved in fluoroscopic procedure, whether at university or general hospitals, had higher radiation doses than those who did not. CONCLUSION The study's primary conclusion is that workers in general hospitals experience a slight but significantly higher radiation dose and a lower percentage below the LOD compared to university hospitals. The observed difference is attributed to the greater workload at general hospitals than at university hospitals, and also may be due to the different nature of university hospital and general hospital. University hospitals, characterized by greater academic orientation, tend to benefit from comprehensive support systems, specialized expertise, and advanced technology, leading to more structured and regulated radiation control. These findings provide a basis for targeted interventions, improved safety protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arman Nessipkhan
- Department of Radioisotope Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Sakamoto 1-12-4, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan.
| | - Naoki Matsuda
- Department of Radiation Biology and Protection, Atomic Bomb Disease Institute, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Noboru Takamura
- Department of Global Health, Medicine and Welfare, Atomic Bomb Disease Institute, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Noboru Oriuchi
- Advanced Clinical Research Center, Fukushima Global Medical Science Center, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ito
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Masao Kiguchi
- Department of Clinical Support, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kiyoto Nishihara
- Department of Radiological Technology, Hiroshima City Hiroshima Citizens Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Takayuki Tamaru
- Department of Radiology, JA Hiroshima General Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kazuo Awai
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Takashi Kudo
- Department of Radioisotope Medicine, Atomic Bomb Disease Institute, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
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Otomo K, Inaba Y, Abe K, Onodera M, Suzuki T, Sota M, Haga Y, Suzuki M, Zuguchi M, Chida K. Spatial Scattering Radiation to the Radiological Technologist during Medical Mobile Radiography. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:bioengineering10020259. [PMID: 36829753 PMCID: PMC9952711 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10020259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Mobile radiography allows for the diagnostic imaging of patients who cannot move to the X-ray examination room. Therefore, mobile X-ray equipment is useful for patients who have difficulty with movement. However, staff are exposed to scattered radiation from the patient, and they can receive potentially harmful radiation doses during radiography. We estimated occupational exposure during mobile radiography using phantom measurements. Scattered radiation distribution during mobile radiography was investigated using a radiation survey meter. The efficacy of radiation-reducing methods for mobile radiography was also evaluated. The dose decreased as the distance from the X-ray center increased. When the distance was more than 150 cm, the dose decreased to less than 1 μSv. It is extremely important for radiological technologists (RTs) to maintain a sufficient distance from the patient to reduce radiation exposure. The spatial dose at eye-lens height increases when the bed height is high, and when the RT is short in stature and abdominal imaging is performed. Maintaining sufficient distance from the patient is also particularly effective in limiting radiation exposure of the eye lens. Our results suggest that the doses of radiation received by staff during mobile radiography are not significant when appropriate radiation protection is used. To reduce exposure, it is important to maintain a sufficient distance from the patient. Therefore, RTs should bear this is mind during mobile radiography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuki Otomo
- Course of Radiological Technology, Health Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
- Department of Radiology, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
| | - Yohei Inaba
- Course of Radiological Technology, Health Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
- Department of Radiation Disaster Medicine, International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-0845, Japan
| | - Keisuke Abe
- Department of Radiology, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
| | - Mana Onodera
- Department of Radiology, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Suzuki
- Department of Radiology, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
| | - Masahiro Sota
- Course of Radiological Technology, Health Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
- Department of Radiology, Sendai Kousei Hospital, 4-5 Hirose-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-0873, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Haga
- Course of Radiological Technology, Health Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
- Department of Radiology, Sendai Kousei Hospital, 4-5 Hirose-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-0873, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Suzuki
- Course of Radiological Technology, Health Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
- Department of Radiation Disaster Medicine, International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-0845, Japan
| | - Masayuki Zuguchi
- Course of Radiological Technology, Health Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Koichi Chida
- Course of Radiological Technology, Health Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
- Department of Radiation Disaster Medicine, International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-0845, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-22-717-7943
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Hattori K, Inaba Y, Kato T, Fujisawa M, Yasuno H, Yamada A, Haga Y, Suzuki M, Zuguchi M, Chida K. Evaluation of a New Real-Time Dosimeter Sensor for Interventional Radiology Staff. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:s23010512. [PMID: 36617110 PMCID: PMC9823962 DOI: 10.3390/s23010512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
In 2011, the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) recommended a significant reduction in the lens-equivalent radiation dose limit, thus from an average of 150 to 20 mSv/year over 5 years. In recent years, the occupational dose has been rising with the increased sophistication of interventional radiology (IVR); management of IVR staff radiation doses has become more important, making real-time radiation monitoring of such staff desirable. Recently, the i3 real-time occupational exposure monitoring system (based on RaySafeTM) has replaced the conventional i2 system. Here, we compared the i2 and i3 systems in terms of sensitivity (batch uniformity), tube-voltage dependency, dose linearity, dose-rate dependency, and angle dependency. The sensitivity difference (batch uniformity) was approximately 5%, and the tube-voltage dependency was <±20% between 50 and 110 kV. Dose linearity was good (R2 = 1.00); a slight dose-rate dependency (~20%) was evident at very high dose rates (250 mGy/h). The i3 dosimeter showed better performance for the lower radiation detection limit compared with the i2 system. The horizontal and vertical angle dependencies of i3 were superior to those of i2. Thus, i3 sensitivity was higher over a wider angle range compared with i2, aiding the measurement of scattered radiation. Unlike the i2 sensor, the influence of backscattered radiation (i.e., radiation from an angle of 180°) was negligible. Therefore, the i3 system may be more appropriate in areas affected by backscatter. In the future, i3 will facilitate real-time dosimetry and dose management during IVR and other applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenshin Hattori
- Course of Radiological Technology, Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Yohei Inaba
- Course of Radiological Technology, Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
- Department of Radiation Disaster Medicine, International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-0845, Japan
| | - Toshiki Kato
- Course of Radiological Technology, Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Masaki Fujisawa
- Course of Radiological Technology, Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Hikaru Yasuno
- Course of Radiological Technology, Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Ayumi Yamada
- Course of Radiological Technology, Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Haga
- Course of Radiological Technology, Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
- Department of Radiology, Sendai Kousei Hospital, 4-5 Hirose-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-0873, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Suzuki
- Course of Radiological Technology, Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
- Department of Radiation Disaster Medicine, International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-0845, Japan
| | - Masayuki Zuguchi
- Course of Radiological Technology, Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Koichi Chida
- Course of Radiological Technology, Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
- Department of Radiation Disaster Medicine, International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-0845, Japan
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Yashima S, Chida K. Awareness of Medical Radiologic Technologists of Ionizing Radiation and Radiation Protection. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:ijerph20010497. [PMID: 36612833 PMCID: PMC9819470 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Japanese people experienced the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings, the Japan Nuclear Fuel Conversion Co. criticality accident, it was found that many human resources are needed to respond to residents' concerns about disaster exposure in the event of a radiation disaster. Medical radiologic technologists learn about radiation from the time of their training, and are engaged in routine radiographic work, examination explanations, medical exposure counseling, and radiation protection of staff. By learning about nuclear disasters and counseling, we believe they can address residents' concerns. In order to identify items needed for training, we examined the perceptions of medical radiologic technologists in the case of different specialties, modalities and radiation doses. In 2016, 5 years after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident, we conducted a survey of 57 medical radiologic technologists at two medical facilities with different specialties and work contents to investigate their attitudes toward radiation. 42 participants answered questions regarding sex, age group, presence of children, health effects of radiation exposure, radiation control, generation of X rays by diagnostic X ray equipment, and radiation related units. In a comparison of 38 items other than demographic data, 14 showed no significant differences and 24 showed significant differences. This study found that perceptions of radiation were different among radiology technologists at facilities with different specialties. The survey suggested the possibility of identifying needed training items and providing effective training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachiko Yashima
- Division of Radiation, Miyagi Cancer Society, Sendai 980-0011, Miyagi, Japan
- Division of Radiological Disasters and Medical Science, International Research Institute of Disaster Science (IRIDeS), Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Koichi Chida
- Division of Radiological Disasters and Medical Science, International Research Institute of Disaster Science (IRIDeS), Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577, Miyagi, Japan
- Department of Radiological Technology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Miyagi, Japan
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Morishima Y, Chida K, Ito O. New Radioprotective Device that can be Used for Fluoroscopic Exam: Possibility to Contribute to Staff Exposure Protection During VFSS. Dysphagia 2022; 37:1519-1524. [PMID: 35169874 DOI: 10.1007/s00455-022-10411-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) is a recognized standard diagnostic imaging technique that is used to investigate swallowing disorders and dysphagia. Patients were assessed in a seated posture on a chair or wheelchair. Using X-ray fluoroscopy, the state of patients' swallowing was checked by eating and drinking according to the physician's instructions. VFSS procedures are prolonged, and VFSS staff members are exposed to radiation. Therefore, we evaluated original lead shielding device (OLSD) that can be attached to the handrail of a table and placed vertically. The OLSD has a lead-equivalent thickness of 0.3 mmPb, weighs about 6 kg, and has the dimensions 50 cm × 50 cm × 8.0 mm. We used a human phantom and a radiation survey meter with and without protection from scattered radiation at the positions of the physician and medical staff at the height of 150 cm above the floor (i.e., the height of the eye's crystalline lens). After measuring the scattered radiation, we created radiation maps with and without the OLSD. The dose rate at the physician's position without and with the OLSD was 190 µSv/h and 92 µSv/h, respectively, and a dose reduction of 51.6% with the plate. Moreover, the radiation maps added clarity to the distribution of the scattered radiation. Such information should lead to greater awareness about exposures to physicians and other medical staff. Thus, the OLSD effectively provided protection from scattered radiation at the physician's position during fluoroscopy. It may contribute to the reduction of staff exposure for VFSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiaki Morishima
- Department of Radiology, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University Hospital, 1-12-1 Fukumuro, Miyagino-ku, Sendai, 983-8512, Japan. .,Department of Radiological Technology, Tohoku University School of Health Sciences, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan.
| | - Koichi Chida
- Department of Radiological Technology, Tohoku University School of Health Sciences, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Osamu Ito
- Rehabilitation Center, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University Hospital, Sendai, 983-8512, Japan
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Sato T, Eguchi Y, Yamazaki C, Hino T, Saida T, Chida K. Development of a New Radiation Shield for the Face and Neck of IVR Physicians. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:bioengineering9080354. [PMID: 36004878 PMCID: PMC9404996 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9080354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Interventional radiology (IVR) procedures are associated with increased radiation exposure and injury risk. Furthermore, radiation eye injury (i.e., cataract) in IVR staff have also been reported. It is crucial to protect the eyes of IVR physicians from X-ray radiation exposure. Many IVR physicians use protective Pb eyeglasses to reduce occupational eye exposure. However, the shielding effects of Pb eyeglasses are inadequate. We developed a novel shield for the face (including eyes) of IVR physicians. The novel shield consists of a neck and face guard (0.25 mm Pb-equivalent rubber sheet, nonlead protective sheet). The face shield is positioned on the left side of the IVR physician. We assessed the shielding effects of the novel shield using a phantom in the IVR X-ray system; a radiophotoluminescence dosimeter was used to measure the radiation exposure. In this phantom study, the effectiveness of the novel device for protecting against radiation was greater than 80% in almost all measurement situations, including in terms of eye lens exposure. A large amount of scattered radiation reaches the left side of IVR physicians. The novel radiation shield effectively protects the left side of the physician from this scattered radiation. Thus, the device can be used to protect the face and eyes of IVR physicians from occupational radiation exposure. The novel device will be useful for protecting the face (including eyes) of IVR physicians from radiation, and thus could reduce the rate of radiation injury. Based on the positive results of this phantom study, we plan to perform a clinical experiment to further test the utility of this novel radiation shield for IVR physicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshimitsu Sato
- Department of Radiology, Yamagata University Hospital, 2-2-2 Iida-nishi, Yamagata 990-9585, Japan; (T.S.); (C.Y.); (T.H.)
| | - Yoichi Eguchi
- Course of Radiological Technology, Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo, Sendai 980-8575, Japan;
| | - Chika Yamazaki
- Department of Radiology, Yamagata University Hospital, 2-2-2 Iida-nishi, Yamagata 990-9585, Japan; (T.S.); (C.Y.); (T.H.)
| | - Takanobu Hino
- Department of Radiology, Yamagata University Hospital, 2-2-2 Iida-nishi, Yamagata 990-9585, Japan; (T.S.); (C.Y.); (T.H.)
| | - Toshikazu Saida
- Department of Central Radiology, Nara Prefecture Seiwa Medical Center, 1-14-16 Mimuro, Nara 636-0802, Japan;
| | - Koichi Chida
- Course of Radiological Technology, Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo, Sendai 980-8575, Japan;
- Department of Radiation Disaster Medicine, International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki Aza-Aoba, Sendai 980-0845, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-22-717-7943
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Yashima S, Chida K. Effective Risk Communications through Personalized Consultations with Pregnant Women and Parents by Radiologic Technologists after the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Disaster. TOHOKU J EXP MED 2022; 256:259-269. [PMID: 35264512 DOI: 10.1620/tjem.2022.j001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Koichi Chida
- International Research Institute of Disaster Science
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Lima TVM, Del Castillo TR, Heinrich M, Zihlmann S, Benitez RL, Roos JE. Impact of the incorrect use of lead drapes on staff and patient doses in interventional radiology. JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION 2022; 42:021505. [PMID: 35072655 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6498/ac4e13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
To evaluate the usefulness of commercially available scatter reduction drapes in mitigating staff exposure in interventional radiology and the potential harmful effects of drape malpositioning in terms of exposure levels to both patients and staff. An anthropomorphic phantom was irradiated on an angiography device under three scenarios: no drape and correct and incorrect drape positioning. Different levels of incorrect drape positioning relative to the field-of-view (FOV) were evaluated: slight, mild and severe. Real-time dosimeter systems (positioned on the operator's eye, chest and thyroid) were used to evaluate accumulative doses and dose rates. Different obstruction levels were evaluated and compared to the observer's perception. Additionally, patient exposure was evaluated for all scenarios using a dose area product (DAP). Up to a mild obstruction, by using the drape a dose reduction of up to 86% was obtained while a severe obstruction produced a 1000% increase in exposure, respectively for all dosimeter positions compared to the use of no drape. A similar order of magnitude was observed for patient exposure. Good agreement was obtained for the observer perception of the FOV obstruction up to 25% of the FOV; for larger obstructions, an overestimate of the obstruction was observed. Patient lead drapes can reduce staff doses in interventional radiology procedures even when mildly malpositioned and obscuring the FOV. Special attention to protective drape positioning is necessary, since the severe obstruction of the FOV results in a large increase in both operator and patient exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago V M Lima
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Luzerner Kantonsspital, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | | | - Mirjam Heinrich
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Luzerner Kantonsspital, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Stephanie Zihlmann
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Luzerner Kantonsspital, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Ruben Lopez Benitez
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Luzerner Kantonsspital, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Justus E Roos
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Luzerner Kantonsspital, Lucerne, Switzerland
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Kato M, Chida K, Munehisa M, Sato T, Inaba Y, Suzuki M, Zuguchi M. Non-Lead Protective Aprons for the Protection of Interventional Radiology Physicians from Radiation Exposure in Clinical Settings: An Initial Study. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:1613. [PMID: 34573955 PMCID: PMC8469807 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11091613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiation protection/evaluation during interventional radiology (IVR) poses a very important problem. Although IVR physicians should wear protective aprons, the IVR physician may not tolerate wearing one for long procedures because protective aprons are generally heavy. In fact, orthopedic problems are increasingly reported in IVR physicians due to the strain of wearing heavy protective aprons during IVR. In recent years, non-Pb protective aprons (lighter weight, composite materials) have been developed. Although non-Pb protective aprons are more expensive than Pb protective aprons, the former aprons weigh less. However, whether the protective performance of non-Pb aprons is sufficient in the IVR clinical setting is unclear. This study compared the ability of non-Pb and Pb protective aprons (0.25- and 0.35-mm Pb-equivalents) to protect physicians from scatter radiation in a clinical setting (IVR, cardiac catheterizations, including percutaneous coronary intervention) using an electric personal dosimeter (EPD). For radiation measurements, physicians wore EPDs: One inside a personal protective apron at the chest, and one outside a personal protective apron at the chest. Physician comfort levels in each apron during procedures were also evaluated. As a result, performance (both the shielding effect (98.5%) and comfort (good)) of the non-Pb 0.35-mm-Pb-equivalent protective apron was good in the clinical setting. The radiation-shielding effects of the non-Pb 0.35-mm and Pb 0.35-mm-Pb-equivalent protective aprons were very similar. Therefore, non-Pb 0.35-mm Pb-equivalent protective aprons may be more suitable for providing radiation protection for IVR physicians because the shielding effect and comfort are both good in the clinical IVR setting. As non-Pb protective aprons are nontoxic and weigh less than Pb protective aprons, non-Pb protective aprons will be the preferred type for radiation protection of IVR staff, especially physicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamoru Kato
- Course of Radiological Technology, Health Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan; (M.K.); (Y.I.); (M.S.); (M.Z.)
- Akita Cerebrospinal and Cardiovascular Center (Akita Medical Center), 6–10 Senshu-Kubota Machi, Akita 010-0874, Japan; (M.M.); (T.S.)
| | - Koichi Chida
- Course of Radiological Technology, Health Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan; (M.K.); (Y.I.); (M.S.); (M.Z.)
- Department of Radiation Disaster Medicine, International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-0845, Japan
| | - Masato Munehisa
- Akita Cerebrospinal and Cardiovascular Center (Akita Medical Center), 6–10 Senshu-Kubota Machi, Akita 010-0874, Japan; (M.M.); (T.S.)
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Senseki Hospital, 53-7 Akai, Aza Dai, Higashi Matsushima 981-0501, Japan
| | - Tadaya Sato
- Akita Cerebrospinal and Cardiovascular Center (Akita Medical Center), 6–10 Senshu-Kubota Machi, Akita 010-0874, Japan; (M.M.); (T.S.)
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Saka General Hospital, 16-5 Nishiki-machi, Shiogama 985-8506, Japan
| | - Yohei Inaba
- Course of Radiological Technology, Health Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan; (M.K.); (Y.I.); (M.S.); (M.Z.)
- Department of Radiation Disaster Medicine, International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-0845, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Suzuki
- Course of Radiological Technology, Health Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan; (M.K.); (Y.I.); (M.S.); (M.Z.)
- Department of Radiation Disaster Medicine, International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-0845, Japan
| | - Masayuki Zuguchi
- Course of Radiological Technology, Health Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan; (M.K.); (Y.I.); (M.S.); (M.Z.)
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Endo M, Haga Y, Sota M, Tanaka A, Otomo K, Murabayashi Y, Abe M, Kaga Y, Inaba Y, Suzuki M, Meguro T, Chida K. Evaluation of novel X-ray protective eyewear in reducing the eye dose to interventional radiology physicians. JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH 2021; 62:414-419. [PMID: 33839782 PMCID: PMC8127654 DOI: 10.1093/jrr/rrab014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The new recommendation of the International Commission on Radiological Protection for occupational eye dose is an equivalent dose limit to the eye of 20 mSv year-1, averaged over a 5-year period. This recommendation is a drastic reduction from the previous limit of 150 mSv year-1. Hence, it is important to protect physicians' eyes from X-ray radiation. Particularly in interventional radiology (IVR) procedures, many physicians use protective lead (Pb) glasses to reduce their occupational exposure. This study assessed the shielding effects of novel 0.07 mm Pb glasses. The novel glasses (XR-700) have Pb-acrylic lens molded in three dimensions. We studied the novel type of 0.07 mm Pb glasses over a period of seven consecutive months. The eye dose occupational radiation exposure of seven IVR physicians was evaluated during various procedures. All IVR physicians wore eye dosimeters (DOSIRIS™) close to the left side of the left eye. To calculate the shielding effects of the glasses, this same type of eye dosimeter was worn both inside and outside of the Pb lenses. The average shielding effect of the novel glasses across the seven physicians was 61.4%. Our results suggest an improved shielding effect for IVR physicians that use these glasses. No physician complained that the new glasses were uncomfortable; therefore comfort is not a problem. The lightweight glasses were acceptable to IVR physicians, who often must perform long procedures. Thus, the novel glasses are comfortable and reasonably protective. Based on the results of this study, we recommend that IVR physicians use these novel 0.07 mm Pb glasses to reduce their exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mime Endo
- Department of Radiological Technology, Tohoku University Graduate
School of Medicine , 2-1 Seiryo, Aoba, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Haga
- Department of Radiological Technology, Tohoku University Graduate
School of Medicine , 2-1 Seiryo, Aoba, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
- Department of Radiology, Sendai Kousei Hospital ,
Hirosemachi 4-15, Aobaku, Sendai 980-0873, Japan
| | - Masahiro Sota
- Department of Radiological Technology, Tohoku University Graduate
School of Medicine , 2-1 Seiryo, Aoba, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
- Department of Radiology, Sendai Kousei Hospital ,
Hirosemachi 4-15, Aobaku, Sendai 980-0873, Japan
| | - Akiko Tanaka
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Sendai Kousei
Hospital , Hirosemachi 4-15, Aobaku, Sendai 980-0873, Japan
| | - Kazuki Otomo
- Department of Radiological Technology, Tohoku University Graduate
School of Medicine , 2-1 Seiryo, Aoba, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Yuuki Murabayashi
- Division of Disaster Medicine, International Research Institute of
Disaster Science, Tohoku University , 6-6-4 Aoba, Sendai 980-8579,
Japan
| | - Mitsuya Abe
- Department of Radiology, Sendai Kousei Hospital ,
Hirosemachi 4-15, Aobaku, Sendai 980-0873, Japan
| | - Yuji Kaga
- Department of Radiology, Sendai Kousei Hospital ,
Hirosemachi 4-15, Aobaku, Sendai 980-0873, Japan
| | - Yohei Inaba
- Department of Radiological Technology, Tohoku University Graduate
School of Medicine , 2-1 Seiryo, Aoba, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
- Division of Disaster Medicine, International Research Institute of
Disaster Science, Tohoku University , 6-6-4 Aoba, Sendai 980-8579,
Japan
| | - Msatoshi Suzuki
- Department of Radiological Technology, Tohoku University Graduate
School of Medicine , 2-1 Seiryo, Aoba, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
- Division of Disaster Medicine, International Research Institute of
Disaster Science, Tohoku University , 6-6-4 Aoba, Sendai 980-8579,
Japan
| | - Taiichiro Meguro
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Sendai Kousei
Hospital , Hirosemachi 4-15, Aobaku, Sendai 980-0873, Japan
| | - Koichi Chida
- Department of Radiological Technology, Tohoku University Graduate
School of Medicine , 2-1 Seiryo, Aoba, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
- Division of Disaster Medicine, International Research Institute of
Disaster Science, Tohoku University , 6-6-4 Aoba, Sendai 980-8579,
Japan
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Kim SC, Son JS. Double-layered fiber for lightweight flexible clothing providing shielding from low-dose natural radiation. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3676. [PMID: 33574471 PMCID: PMC7878484 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83272-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural and medical radiation are the most frequent sources of daily low-dose radiation exposure for the general public, but these radiation levels are generally acceptable. Among various occupations, aviation crew members and medical workers are exposed to high levels of radiation from scattered rays. This study focused on developing clothing for shielding aviation crew members from natural radiation during air travel. Materials were selected considering their radiation-shielding properties. A tungsten double-layered composite yarn and a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fiber fabric containing BaSO4 were manufactured. The characteristics and shielding performances of the products were analyzed. Prototypes of a protective scarf (for shielding the thyroid gland) and apron (for shielding the torso) for flight attendants were produced. A lightweight fabric was produced that neither restricts the movement of the wearer nor causes them skin discomfort. The shielding performances of the tungsten composite and PET fiber fabrics containing BaSO4 were 0.018 mmPb and 0.03 mmPb, respectively, demonstrating low-dose shielding that may be useful for protecting aviation crew members from scattered rays. The characteristics of the developed fibers are comparable to those of materials used in clothing production; therefore, low-dose radiation-shielding clothing could be manufactured for use in aviation, medical, and other industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seon-Chil Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea.
| | - Jun Sik Son
- Korea Textile Development Institute, Daegu, Korea
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Enhanced photon shielding efficiency of a flexible and lightweight rare earth/polymer composite: A Monte Carlo simulation study. NUCLEAR ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.net.2019.12.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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