A study of the distribution of dose across the hands of interventional radiologists and cardiologists.

The magnitude and distribution of doses across the hands of interventional radiologists and cardiologists have been studied. The aims were to determine the region of highest dose, investigate variations in dose distribution, and propose an effective method for dose monitoring. Doses have been measured using sets of up to 18 thermoluminescent dosemeters (TLDs) for 183 single procedures. Important factors influencing the dose to the hand are the type of procedure, particularly the access route, the X-ray equipment used, and the experience of the operator. Radiologists performing percutaneous procedures received the highest doses, because of the proximity of their hands to the X-ray tube. The majority of procedures involve a combination of twisting and prodding actions, and the relative proportions of each determine the parts of the fingers which receive a higher dose. For most interventional radiology and cardiology procedures the bases of the ring and little fingers receive the highest dose. However, during percutaneous procedures the tips of the middle and ring fingers could receive doses which were 20-30% higher than this. For radiologists and cardiologists with a mixed workload, monitoring using TLD rings located at the base of the little or the ring fingers on either hand should provide a reasonable estimate of dose to the most exposed area. Monitoring is recommended for operators who may receive over 50 mSv to their hands per year, and should be considered for operators carrying out therapeutic procedures involving patient dose-area products over 500 Gy cm2 per month.