Author:

Keywords:

Science & Technology, Life Sciences & Biomedicine, Technology, Environmental Sciences, Public, Environmental & Occupational Health, Nuclear Science & Technology, Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging, Environmental Sciences & Ecology, 0202 Atomic, Molecular, Nuclear, Particle and Plasma Physics, 0299 Other Physical Sciences, 1117 Public Health and Health Services, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging, 4206 Public health, 5106 Nuclear and plasma physics

Abstract:

The recent recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) introduced a supplementary dose limit for the surface of the abdomen of pregnant staff, to restrict the radiation dose to the foetus. This has wide ranging implications on the monitoring of staff in hospitals, some of which are studied here. The relationship between foetal dose, entrance surface dose to the abdomen and personal monitor reading was determined using an anthropomorphic phantom loaded with thermoluminescence dosemeters to record the dose to the uterus, as well as on the surface of the abdomen. Film badges were attached to the phantom at various anatomical positions. This phantom was irradiated for simulations of fluoroscopic examinations in diagnostic radiology and various brachytherapy treatments. The relationships between monitor reading and foetal dose have been derived, and a number of practical monitoring problems for pregnant staff discussed.