Dose assessment through a double dosimetry approach in Hemodynamics area

Abstract

Hemodynamics in interventional cardiology involves prolonged procedures with exposure to ionizing radiation, which represents a significant risk for healthcare personnel. For this reason, the Personal Dosimetry Laboratory UNAH (LDPUNAH) has implemented the use of double dosimetry, utilizing one dosimeter below and another dosimeter above the lead apron, following the recommendations of ICRP 85, to improve the estimation of the effective dose received. However, it is not always adequately applied within hospital settings. The doses received by nine individuals in the hemodynamics area were evaluated between February and May 2024, using two TLD-100 dosimeters per person calibrated for the magnitudes of whole-body and superficial equivalent doses. The results of single dosimetry estimations were compared to the double dosimetry methodology, applying the Swiss Ordinance algorithm for double dosimetry. The effective dose with double dosimetry was calculated considering two different dosimetry approaches, where it was observed that physicians had higher exposures compared to technologists and nurses. Double dosimetry showed significant variability in superficial doses, especially in monthly register in February, while April presented the lowest values in all cases. Proper use of double dosimetry can enhance the estimation of superficial equivalent doses by evaluating more information considering personal protective equipment.