Radiation Exposure to Physicians in the Emergency Department

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Emergency physicians (EP) are vulnerable to radiation exposure while on duty in the emergency department (ED). Although many studies have been reported abroad, there have been few studies of radiation exposure to EP in Korea. This study was performed to determine the present radiation exposure conditions of EP in Korea. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted from April 1, 2007 to June 30, 2007 at ED in three teaching hospitals. Eighteen interns and 19 residents were selected. Each wore thermoluminescent personal radiation dosimetry monitors at near the thyroid while working in the ED. We estimated the radiation exposure dose of these EP for three months and compared the results with those obtained for radiologists. RESULTS: The average radiation exposure dose of EP over three months was 0.257+/-0.391 mSv, and that of radiologists was 0.184+/-0.273 mSv. These results were below the recommended occupational dose limit of 5 mSv per 3 months. The radiation exposure dose of EP was higher than that of radiologists, but the difference was not statistically significant (0.280+/-0.303 vs 0.075+/-0.981 mSv, p=0.042). CONCLUSION: We recommend that the use of dosimetry by EP needs to be reviewed. EP should be aware of radiation exposure risks and minimize radiation exposure.