A preliminary study of issues and practices concerning pregnancy and ionising radiation.

A literature review in relation to irradiation of patients and staff during pregnancy was carried out. A number of publications describing procedures to be followed in the case of a pregnant patient who needs to have a radiological examination and in the case of pregnant staff who work in a department where they could be exposed to radiation were reviewed. A review of existing practices in 13 European countries was carried out by sending a questionnaire to representatives in each country. From the review, it was found that the existing practices with respect to irradiation of patients and staff during pregnancy vary enormously. There is no harmonisation on this issue at the European level. From the literature review and the review of practices, a number of ethical issues were identified and exposed and a number of conclusions were drawn.