Abstract
Objective:The practice of regular dose measurement helps to ascertain the level of occupational dose delivered to the staff involved in diagnostic procedures. This study was carried out to evaluate the dose exposed to the hands of radiologists and a radiologic technologist carrying out HSG and radionuclide bone scan examinations in several hospitals in Nigeria.Methods:Radiation doses exposed to the hands of radiologists and a technician carrying out hysterosalpingography (HSG) and bone scan procedures were measured using calibrated thermo-luminescent dosimeters. Five radiologists and a radiologic technologist were included in the study for dose measurement.Results:The study indicates that each radiologist carried out approximately 2 examinations per week with the mean dose ranging between 0.49-0.62 mSv per week, resulting in an annual dose of 191 mSv. Similarly, the occupational dose delivered to both the left and right hands of a radiologic technologist administering 99mTc-methylene diphosphonate (MDP) without cannula and with cannula were 10.68 (720.2) and 13.82 (556.4) mSv per week (and per annum), respectively. It was determined that the left hand of the personnel received higher doses than their right hand.Conclusion:The estimated annual dose during HSG is far below the annual dose limit for deterministic effects, however, it is greater than 10% of the applicable annual dose limit. Hence, routine monitoring is required to ensure adequate protection of the personnel. The total annual dose received during the bone scan exceeds the annual dose limit for both hands, and the dose to either left or right hand is greater than the dose limit of 500 mSv/yr. The radiologists monitored are not expected to incur any deterministic effects during HSG examinations, however, accumulated doses arising from the scattered radiation to the eyes, legs, and neck could be substantial and might lead to certain effects. More staff are required to administer 99mTc-MDP in Nigerian institutions to prevent excessive doses to personnel.
Highlights
The use of both ionizing and non-ionizing radiations for medical imaging and treatment is rapidly increasing
Regular monitoring of radiation doses received by the extremities of radiologists, physicians and technologists involved in HSG is very important in order to ascertain the level of exposure of the unprotected part of the hands of the personnel who carry out the procedure
The results of this study demonstrated that each radiologist performed an average of 2 HSG procedures per week
Summary
The use of both ionizing and non-ionizing radiations for medical imaging and treatment is rapidly increasing. Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is a diagnostic procedure performed to determine if the fallopian tubes are patent (open), and to see if the structure and size of the uterine cavity are normal. This is a noninvasive procedure usually performed after the menstrual period has ended to prevent interference with an early pregnancy. It is performed by positioning a woman under a fluoroscope (real-time imager) on a table. During the filling of the uterus with the contrast medium, the fingers and the lower extremities of the gynecologist or radiologist is exposed to radiation [2,3]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
