Radiation Exposure to Staff and Patient During Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Studies and Recommended Protection Strategies.

Videofluoroscopic swallowing studies expose both the patients and the staff to ionising radiation. Although the radiation exposure is considered low compared to other diagnostic procedures, it is still prudent to keep the radiation dose as low as reasonably achievable. This review aims to summarise the latest literature pertaining to staff and patient radiation dose, as well as to make evidence-based recommendations on dose optimisation strategies. The evidence shows that patient radiation dose is low; nonetheless, care must be taken for patients that require multiple examinations. There are limited studies measuring the staff dose during videofluoroscopic swallowing procedures. However, the operator may receive radiation doses approaching 1 mSv per year. Recommendations for radiation protection strategies are summarised.

Radiation exposure to sonographers from nuclear medicine patients: A review.

Following nuclear medicine scans a patient can be a source of radiation exposure to the hospital staff, including sonographers. Sonographers are not routinely monitored for occupational radiation exposure as they do not commonly interact with radioactive patients or other sources of ionizing radiation. This review aims to find evidence relating to the risk and amount of radiation the sonographer is exposed to from nuclear medicine patients. It is established in the literature that the radiation exposure to the sonographer following diagnostic nuclear medicine studies is low and consequently the risk is not significant. Nevertheless, it is paramount that basic radiation safety principles are followed to ensure any exposure to ionizing radiation is kept as low as reasonably achievable. Practical recommendations are given to assist the sonographer in radiation protection. Nuclear medicine therapy procedures may place the sonographer at higher risk and as such consultation with a Radiation Safety Officer or Medical Physicist as to the extent of exposure is recommended.