A multicenter study of radiation doses to the eye lenses of clinical physicians performing radiology procedures in Japan

Authors:
Open Access
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Purpose We investigated occupational dose to the lens of the eye for physicians engaged in radiology procedures. We evaluated the potential for compliance with the new-equivalent dose limits to the lens of the eye. Further, a “multiple radiation protection” protocol was proposed according to the basic principles of occupational health, and its effectiveness was estimated. Methods Physicians engaged in radiology procedure at medical facilities in Japan were included in this study. The eye lens dose (3-mm dose equivalent: Hp(3)) for each participant was measured using a small radio-photoluminescence glass dosimeter mounted on lead glasses. Physicians were directed to procedure multiple radiation protection measures to evaluate their usefulness. Results The Hp(3) was reduced by multiple radiation protection in all physicians. In particular, the Hp(3) reduced from 207.7 to 43.2 μSv/procedure and from 21.6 to 10.2 μSv/procedure in cardiovascular internal physician and cerebrovascular physician, respectively, after the implementation of the proposed multiple radiation protection measures. The dose reduction rate of these measures was 53% (range: 37%–79%). Conclusions The radiation doses received by the eye lenses of physicians engaged in radiology procedure may exceed the dose limits to the lens of the eye if radio-protective equipment and imaging conditions are not properly controlled. However, based on the lens equivalent dose data, the implementation of “multiple radiation protection” according to the basic principles of occupational health can ensure compliance with the new-equivalent dose limits to the lens of the eye without placing an undue burden on individual physicians or medical facilities.
Funding Information
  • Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JP18K09959, JP19K10498)
  • Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (180501-01, 200601-01, 210501-01)
  • Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JP18K09959, JP19K10498)
  • Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (180501‐01, 200601‐01, 210501‐01)

This publication has 26 references indexed in Scilit: