I070] US regulatory requirements for radiation protection of pregnant patients and medical staff

Abstract

Purpose To discuss harmful effects of ionizing radiation, especially important for fast growing tissues including the human fetus. To go over the strict regulations in the US regarding occupational exposures of pregnant workers to ionizing radiation. Methods Radiation protection of pregnant radiation workers includes written declaration of pregnancy which every female radiation worker can do at any time. The declaration should be done in writing and can be revoked at any time without an additional explanation. Based on this declaration, the employer should review work responsibilities of the employee and her recent radiation badge reading. In some cases, the employee could be reassigned to another type of work to further reduce her potential occupational exposure. A pregnant radiation worker receives an additional badge worn on the abdomen. This badge is being processed on a monthly basis to ensure the compliance with maximum monthly radiation exposure limit. Use of Diagnostic Radiation for pregnant patients should be limited to necessary studies urgently needed to improve the patient’s condition. That could be an acute condition or a life-saving treatment after an automobile accident etc. Before ordering an exam, the practitioner has to take into consideration the patient’s condition and potential harm to the fetus vs. the benefit from the procedure. Results Strict rules of Radiation Safety of pregnant radiation workers allow to reduce the occupational exposure to 500 mR/year and also to 50 mR/month. Two independent radiation badges allow reliable occupational dose measurements on a monthly basis. For pregnant patients it is often possible to assess possible dose to the fetus from the suggested radiation procedure prior to its administration. At that time, the decision should be made whether the procedure should be performed. Conclusions The US regulations regarding the occupational exposure of pregnant radiation workers allow to create a safe work environment which, in the light of the current knowledge, does not cause any harm to the worker and the fetus.