Investigation of qualitative and quantitative factors related to radiological exposure to nursing staff during computed tomography examinations.

ABSTRACT

Radiologists or nurses intermittently stay in computed tomography rooms during computed tomography examinations; these actions are defined as "entrance actions." The qualitative and quantitative factors related to radiological exposure to computed tomography nursing staff were investigated to identify the protective measures against entrance actions. A questionnaire survey was used to investigate the frequency, motives, and causalities of entrance actions. Individual and area monitoring were simultaneously performed. The mean frequency of entrance actions was 1.2 times mo(−1). The primary motive for entrance actions was to dispel anxieties regarding collateral accidents during computed tomography. The nursing staff particularly engaged in close supervision to help the patients cope with contrast media extravasation. The average personal dose equivalent [Hp(10)] to the nurses was 0.21 mSv mo(−1). The ambient dose equivalent [H*(10)] rate was 1.4­3.7 mSv min(−1) at a distance of 1 m from CT gantry centre. Avoidance of entrance actions and collateral accidents would decrease the occupational exposures to nurses.