Occupational eye dose in interventional cardiology procedures

Abstract

It is important to measure the radiation dose [3-mm dose equivalent, Hp(3)] in the eye. This study was to determine the current occupational radiation eye dose of staff conducting interventional cardiology procedures, using a novel direct eye dosimeter. We measured the occupational eye dose [Hp(3)] in physicians and nurses in a catheterization laboratory for 6-months. The eye doses [Hp(3)] of 12 physicians (9 with Pb glasses, 3 without), and 11 nurses were recorded using a novel direct eye dosimeter, the DOSIRIS^TM. We placed dosimeters above and under the glasses. We also estimated the eye dose [0.07-mm dose equivalent] using a neck personal dosimeter. The eye doses among interventional staff ranked in the following order: physicians without Pb glasses > physicians with Pb glasses > nurses. The shielding effect of the glasses (0.07-mm Pb) in a clinical setting was approximately 60%. In physicians who do not wear Pb glasses, the eye dose may exceed the new regulatory limit for IR staff. We found good correlations between the neck dosimeter dose and eye dosimeter dose (inside or outside glasses, R² = 0.93 and R² = 0.86, respectively) in physicians. We recommend that interventional physicians use an eye dosimeter for correct evaluation of the lens dose.

Figure 1

The positions of the dosimeters used during the procedures. The eye dosimeter (DOSIRIS) was worn just lateral to the left eye, and the personal dosimeter (badge) was worn outside the Pb apron to the left of the neck (A). In the nine physicians using Pb glasses, an additional eye dosimeter (DOSIRIS) was worn outside the Pb glasses close to the left eye (B).

Figure 2

Relationship between the eye dose (DOSIRIS) measurements and neck badge dose measurements for 6 months in 12 IC physicians: nine physicians used Pb glasses and three did not. Dashed line (---): 95% confidence interval.

Figure 3

Estimated mean ± SD annual lens dose (EAED) in 12 IC physicians estimated by eye dose (DOSIRIS) measurements (9 physicians used Pb glasses and 3 did not) and neck badge dose measurements.

Figure 4

Relationship between the eye dose (DOSIRIS) measurements inside and outside the Pb glasses over 6 months in nine physicians. Dashed line (---): 95% confidence interval.

Figure 5

Relationship between the eye dose (DOSIRIS) and neck badge dose measurements over 6 months in 11 IC nurses. Dashed line (---): 95% confidence interval.

Figure 6

Estimated mean ± SD annual lens dose (EAED) determined by eye dose (DOSIRIS) measurements and neck badge dose measurements in 11 IC nurses. (P = 0.39).