Trauma team radiation exposure: the potential need for dosimetry monitoring.
OBJECTIVE
Australian radiation regulations require routine monitoring of health-care workers who might receive a whole-body effective radiation dose in excess of 1 mSv/year. In Australian hospitals, routine monitoring with a dosimeter is recommended for levels beyond 300 microSv/year. We aimed to determine the potential radiation exposure to trauma team members and whether routine personal radiation dosimetry should be recommended.


METHODS
An anthropomorphic mannequin with a radiation detector was placed at five locations around the resuscitation bed. Three sets of standard trauma-series X-rays were performed, and the exposure was measured and averaged at each location. These data were then extrapolated to estimate the potential radiation equivalence at the level of the thyroid gland for staff working in each of the locations over a 1 year period with and without personal protective equipment.


RESULTS
The total dose ranged from 1.2 to 20.5 microSv for a single trauma patient. The highest recorded dose was at the location of the circulation doctor during pelvic X-ray. Based on these data, it would take only 15 trauma patients per year for a team member to be potentially exposed to the level at which routine dosimetry is usually recommended, should no personal protective equipment be used. The use of a lead gown and a lead gown with a thyroid collar reduced exposure by four- and ninefold, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
We have demonstrated the possibility of significant ionizing radiation exposure for unprotected trauma team members. Dosimeter use by trauma team personnel needs to be reviewed based on local protocols and patient numbers.
Ittimani
Mana
M
Department of Emergency Medicine, Liverpool Hospital, New South Wales, Australia.
Goozée
Gary
G
Manovel
Alvaro
A
Holdgate
Anna
A
D006801:Humans; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011834:Radiation Monitoring; D011839:Radiation, Ionizing; D014194:Traumatology