The dose-area product and assessment of the occupational dose in interventional radiology.

This study used dose-area product (DAP) data to determine the relationship between the dose received by radiologists and the DAP. The working conditions were simulated by phantom measurements. The doses of scattered radiation were measured using various scattering angles, distances and tube voltages. The calculated doses of scattered radiation were compared with the measured doses of scattered radiation. To test the validity of using such data for assessing occupational doses, the scatter dose on the radiologist or cardiologist was calculated from the DAP using the measured scatter factors. The dose to the lenses of the eyes may exceed the annual limit, and may therefore restrict the number of interventional procedures. A relation between the DAP and the occupational dose is difficult to establish, especially because staff doses are associated with the use of protective devices, positions of projections with respect to the patient, and working methods. However, the DAP may provide a good reference value for the dosimetric monitoring of staff.