Radiation Safety

A unique hazard in the radiology suite is radiation exposure. Radiation exposure is potentially harmful both in terms of its somatic effects during an exposed individual's lifetime (e.g., production of leukemia) and in terms of genetic injury resulting in fetal abnormalities caused by damage to the gonadal cells or developing fetus. In the environment of the radiology suite, anesthesia personnel must be aware of radiation safety and take precautions when possible to avoid radiation exposure. Dosimeters should be worn to monitor exposure. The maximal permissible radiation dose for occupationally exposed persons is 50 millisieverts (mSv) annually, a lifetime cumulative dose of 10 mSv × age, and monthly exposure of 0.5 mSv for pregnant women.^[13] Radiation exposure can be limited by wearing appropriate lead aprons and thyroid shields, using movable leaded glass screens, and using innovative techniques such as video monitoring and remote mirroring of monitor data to allow remote conduct of anesthesia when appropriate and required for the safety of anesthesia personnel. Clearly, open communication between the radiology and anesthesia teams is essential to minimize radiation exposure. Adequate warning of initiation of imaging by the radiology team allows the anesthesia personnel to take appropriate precautions in a timely fashion.