Abstract No. 605 Minimizing the uncertainty when you are expecting the unexpected: monitoring radiation exposure during pregnancy

Abstract

Women are underrepresented in IR, while maybe partially due to fear of radiation exposure during child-bearing period1. For those who choose IR as a career, they may face the challenge of being able to stay productive during pregnancy and receiving the appropriate support from their colleagues who may lack the in-depth understanding of radiation risks relating to pregnancy. We will review and compare the commonly used dosimeters including the real-time dosimeter to provide comprehensive understanding of their sensitivity, accuracy and consistency in monitoring fetal radiation exposure and to provide additional insights to the appropriate dosimeter choice and radiation protection practice. 1. Literature review of the current commercially available personnel dosimeter types which may be used to monitor fetal and maternal dose during pregnancy. 2. Compare the real-time fetal dosimeter reading to the estimated dose from maternal real-time dosimeter reading during commonly performed IR procedures. 3. Compare the fetal dose report from the standard optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters (OSL) to calculated dose from maternal dose record during pregnancy. 1. Preliminary result demonstrates the high sensitivity of both standard OSL dosimeter and real-time dosimeter wearing under the lead apron for providing fetal dose monitoring. 2. Real-time dosimeter provides instant dose report but is inferior to OSL in consistency and accuracy. Fetal radiation exposure, while negligible per procedure, accumulative dose contributes to stochastic risk. Real-time dosimeter can provide instant awareness of dose rate and minimize unnecessary anxiety and warrants instant modification in radiation safety practice. Standard dosimeters provide accurate however delayed accumulate dose report to ensure compliance with radiation safety guidelines.