title: Do we glow? Evaluation of trauma team work habits and radiation exposure.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Health care workers' potential exposure to ionizing radiation has increased. Annual radiation exposure limit for the general public per US Nuclear Regulatory Commission is 100 mrem (1 mSv). The whole-body annual occupational radiation exposure limit is 5,000 mrem (50 mSv). Studies have been done to evaluate patient radiation exposure. To date, there has been no study to evaluate the radiation exposure of trauma team members or evaluate their behaviors and attitudes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty primary providers (residents, physician assistants) rotating on the trauma service at an American College of Surgeons Level 1 trauma center participated. Dosimeters were worn by participants, and the radiation doses were measured monthly. A survey detailing the frequency of involvement in radiographic studies, use of protective equipment, and knowledge of education programs was completed monthly.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The range of radiation measured was 1 mrem to 56 mrem, with an average effective dose of 10 mrem per month. Thirty-two (80%) of 40 reported daily exposure to x-rays and 28 (70%) of 40 to computed tomographic scans. Thirty-four (85%) of 40 reported that they never or seldom wore lead apron in trauma bay as opposed to 1 (3%) of 40 who failed to wear it during fluoroscopy. Twenty (50%) reported that an apron was not available, while 20 (50%) reported that it was too hot or did not fit. Thirty-nine (97%) of 40 reported that they received training in radiation safety.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Despite inconsistent use of protective equipment by resident staff, the actual radiation exposure remains low. Hospitals should be sure lead aprons and collars are available. Additional education concerning the availability of programs during pregnancy is needed.
  
  
  METHODS
  Epidemiologic study, level III.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma/Critical Care, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506, USA.
authors.forename: Maleeha
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hassan
authors.forename: Abhijit
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Patil
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Channel
authors.forename: Fawad
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Knight
authors.forename: Matthew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Loos
authors.forename: Hannah
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hazard
authors.forename: Gregory
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Schaefer
authors.forename: Alison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wilson
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020380:Needs Assessment; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016272:Occupational Health; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011786:Quality Control; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011834:Radiation Monitoring; D011835:Radiation Protection / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011859:Radiography; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014193:Trauma Centers; D014481:United States; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*