The Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, reported that medical personnel who use fluoroscopy X-ray equipment for diagnostic procedures may be exposed to high levels of radiation, which increases the risk of developing cancer. The reported risk is approximately 4 cases per 100,000 personnel, which is about four times higher than that of personnel who use conventional X-ray equipment. The risk is continuous due to the higher radiation exposure, which can be up to 14 times greater than the radiation level received by the general population. Therefore, operators should use personal radiation monitoring devices and protective equipment, such as lead aprons, thyroid shields, lead glasses, lead gloves, and radiation shielding barriers/screens placed in various locations.
Dr. Orchai Mongkol, a medical scientist, stated that the Department of Medical Sciences, through the Office of Radiation and Medical Devices, has studied the cancer risk among personnel exposed to radiation. The study focused on workers in Thailand and referred to scientific evidence regarding occupational exposure.
The study, conducted in B.E. 2556 (2013), investigated radiation exposure among healthcare personnel working with fluoroscopy X-ray equipment in areas such as catheterization laboratories (Cath Lab), operating rooms, radiotherapy units, and research laboratories. It found that the average radiation exposure of fluoroscopy operators was higher than that of general medical personnel. The average effective dose measured in this group was 0.727 millisieverts per year, which represents an increased cancer risk from occupational radiation exposure.
Based on recommendations from the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), it was reported that personnel working continuously with fluoroscopy X-ray equipment have a higher probability of receiving elevated radiation doses, which could increase their cancer risk to approximately 4 cases per 100,000 personnel. In comparison, staff who work with conventional X-ray equipment have an estimated cancer risk of only 1 case per 100,000 personnel. Therefore, occupational radiation exposure should be controlled so that the effective dose does not exceed 20 millisieverts per year, averaged over 5 years. This aligns with the understanding that the cancer risk becomes higher when the effective dose is significantly above the radiation level received by the general population (up to 14 times higher). If personnel work in controlled areas, the exposure should be reduced to ensure that the equivalent dose to the lens of the eye does not exceed 150 millisieverts per year.
Dr. Orchai added that the Department of Medical Sciences recognizes the risk of radiation exposure for personnel working in areas such as the Cath Lab, operating rooms, radiotherapy units, and fluoroscopy-based diagnostic environments. Since the risk may be higher than for general medical personnel, the Department provides guidance to ensure operators can work safely. This includes recommendations on:
- Using personal radiation monitoring devices to track individual radiation exposure, and
- Using appropriate protective equipment, especially when working near radiation sources or inside controlled areas.
Personnel working in controlled areas should use proper protective equipment such as lead aprons, thyroid shields, lead glasses, lead gloves, and radiation shielding barriers at appropriate locations.
Credit: Page Hfocus
https://www.hfocus.org/content/2014/03/6701
