radiation exposure

[yesno]

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Just read that 20 ct scans over a year for a TBI patient is 87 msv. But a 1-2hr procedure in angio lab gets you about 1msv on your feet or hands or eye. So that adds up 20 ct scans over 1 month??

 

[colbgw02]

Just read that 20 ct scans over a year for a TBI patient is 87 msv. But a 1-2hr procedure in angio lab gets you about 1msv on your feet or hands or eye. So that adds up 20 ct scans over 1 month??

 

[Smurfette]

Just read that 20 ct scans over a year for a TBI patient is 87 msv. But a 1-2hr procedure in angio lab gets you about 1msv on your feet or hands or eye. So that adds up 20 ct scans over 1 month??

I am not a radiologist, but from what I recall from my state mandated "fluoro exam" required for any provider who uses or interprets fluoro...

Assuming you are talking about being in the room when a patient is getting fluoro for an angio, there are multiple variables as far as exactly what your radiation exposure is:
1. what protection you are wearing (lead, neck shield, glasses, etc.). Thyroid and sex organ exposure (among others) is more prone to long term consequences than extremity exposure. Cataracts are also a risk, IIRC.
2. How far from the fluoro source you are standing. The further you are away from the source, the exponentially less exposure you have.
3. total time of fluoro in use. Fluoro can be pretty high rads exposure, especially if doing live sine (sp?) vs. one-image shots. Usually they measure total fluoro time to track exposure and try to prevent overexposure in one episode.
4. If you are a frequent user of fluoro, hospitals typically issue you a radiation badge to assess how much exposure you've had (this is also based on age and gender) on a regular basis to make sure you are not overexposed as well. You've probably seen radiology techs wearing these badges as well.

Smoking 1 ppd is equivalent to like 50 msv/yr.
one CT abd/pelvis (w and w/o contrast) is like 20 msv.

Keep in mind that interventional cardiology, IR, vascular surgery, urology and ortho are all frequent fluoro users. GI (ERCPs) and GS use it as well, but to a lesser extent.

 

[yesno]

Smurf I am on a rotation where they get several hrs of fluro time over a 10hr day. That's how it is for anybody in the angio suite. Can also take note of dap to convert to msv. And if you're an operator your hands often get right in the camera. As for lead glasses it offers only 50% attenuation. Feet and hands and brain not protected at all. Even without exposure 50% of people get cancer in their lifetime.

 

[Smurfette]

Smurf I am on a rotation where they get several hrs of fluro time over a 10hr day. That's how it is for anybody in the angio suite. Can also take note of dap to convert to msv. And if you're an operator your hands often get right in the camera. As for lead glasses it offers only 50% attenuation. Feet and hands and brain not protected at all. Even without exposure 50% of people get cancer in their lifetime.

I understand that.
Not sure what your underlying question is...yes, if you are in a room with fluoro, you are getting exposed to radiation whenever the beam is on. There is only a small percentage of the beam that is scattered into the room rather than directed at the patient. You do what you can to minimize your exposure, but it's not going to be zero and those who work in these areas realize and accept this fact. You may want to ask in the angio suite about accrued fluoro time during the day--it may be less than you think depending on the procedures done--or ask to find out how much radiation the staff's badges register in a month. If they truly were exposed to 20 CT scan equivalents a month to their own person, they would be forced to take a break from the suite by the hospital.

If this is a source of major anxiety for you, you should pick a specialty that does not have as much exposure. I personally have never encountered someone with cancer of the hand or foot from presumed radiation exposure as a health care worker, although I guess anything is possible.

 

[GangaMaster]

at 100 msv you get your first super power

 

[CherryRedDracul]

at 100 msv you get your first super power

Too bad it's a random one and not necessarily useful. My 3rd year mentor can fart on command now.

 

[colbgw02]

Too bad it's a random one and not necessarily useful. My 3rd year mentor can fart on command now.

These two sentences do not go together.

 

[CherryRedDracul]

These two sentences do not go together.

Well, I guess there can be some utility now that I think about it ...