Testing and validation of methods for dose measuring in anisotropic fields under occupational exposure in interventional cardiology.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Experimental testing of the practical application of methodology developed for the individual effective doses assay in an NPP staff by means of 4 dosimeters in case of non-uniform external γ-exposure with known angular characteristics of the radiation field. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two series of experimental phantom measurements were held at the workplaces of interventional cardiologists during a procedures in an X-ray operating room. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Dose fields in a body of healthcare professional are characterized by the high gradients and readings of individual dosimeters depending on location can differ from 1.5 to 10 times. Thus a single dosimeter is not a source of sufficient information for accurate estimation of an effective dose. Studies have confirmed the possibility of NPP technique application at the workplace of interventional cardiologist. The essential need for a strict control of the eye lens doses is demonstrated.