Practice of ALARA in the pediatric interventional suite.
As interventional procedures have become progressively more sophisticated and lengthy, the potential for high patient radiation dose has increased. Staff exposure arises from patient scatter, so steps to minimize patient dose will in turn reduce operator and staff dose. The practice of ALARA in an interventional radiology (IR) suite, therefore, requires careful attention to technical detail in order to reduce patient dose. The choice of imaging modality should minimize radiation when and where possible. In this paper practical steps are outlined to reduce patient dose. Further details are included that specifically reduce operator exposure. Challenges unique to pediatric intervention are reviewed. Reference is made to experience from modern pediatric interventional suites. Given the potential for high exposures, the practice of ALARA is a team responsibility. Various measures are outlined for consideration when implementing a quality assurance (QA) program for an IR service.
Connolly
Bairbre
B
Department of Image Guided Therapy, Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada. bairbre.connolly@sickkids.ca
Racadio
John
J
Towbin
Richard
R
D001822:Body Burden; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005471:Fluoroscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000379:methods*; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011835:Radiation Protection / Q000379:methods*; D015641:Radiography, Interventional / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011874:Radiometry / Q000379:methods; D014481:United States