Increased radiation safety with real-time dosimetry
Real-time personal dosimetry also makes it possible to analyze afterwards where and when you have been exposed to which dose of radiation. The information at the moment itself already brings a lot of insight. In addition, it can also be very valuable to zoom in on the measurements and evaluate the dose to which you have been exposed. This way, you can examine a specific procedure or group of employees and make the entire process around this procedure transparent.
Applying real-time dosimetry: an example
A good example was the analysis of a group of interventional radiologists in a Dutch hospital. Based on general dosimetry, it was noted that one of the interventional radiologists was exposed to an average of 40% more dose than his or her colleagues. As a result, real-time dosimetry was used to further investigate where this difference came from. By analyzing the exposed dose both during procedures and afterwards, it became clear when this person was exposed to the highest dose. This analysis showed that the person in question was mainly exposed to this higher dose during one specific procedure. Based on this, the actions during this procedure were reviewed to find out what caused the difference in exposure. This insight created awareness on the basis of which improvements were implemented.
The team in question discussed possible improvements such as time of radiation, distance, working posture and protective equipment. By monitoring these aspects in real time during the procedure, proposals arose to optimize this. By increasing the distance to the X-ray machine and bending less over the patient during fluoroscopy, a major difference was achieved compared to the previous situation. This change in behavior has led to significant optimization. Employees indicated that the real-time insight is experienced as valuable and brings a safer feeling.
More insight through real-time dosimetry
The insight that real-time dosimetry provides creates awareness with which you can bring about a change in behavior with the aim of optimal radiation safety.
