Author: Janet Ching-Mei Feng, Janet Gutierrez, Aylin Ozus, Patricia Svolos 👨🔬
Affiliation: Bellaire High, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Environmental Health & Safety, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, UTHealth McGovern Medical School 🌍
Purpose: Exposure to radiation may become harmful to the fetus depending on the gestational age and absorbed dose. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission states the radiation exposure to the embryo/fetus of a declared pregnant healthcare worker shall not exceed 500 mrem during the entire pregnancy. In addition, regulations in some states limit monthly fetal exposure to 50 mrem. In this study, we sought to compare the radiation exposure the fetus receives in-utero, while pregnant employees perform daily clinical duties involving the use of radiation.
Methods: A total of 122 healthcare employees who declared their pregnancy received a consultation from the Radiation Safety Office of the hospital. A fetal dosimeter was assigned to monitor radiation exposure of the fetus. The fetal dosimeter was exchanged monthly until the term of pregnancy. Employee fetal exposures were collected for gestational ages ranging from 3 to 9 months according to the pregnancy declaration date. Healthcare workers were categorized into Dentist (DDS), Physician (MD), Nurse (RN), Technologist (RT) and Others. The exposure data were analyzed per job title and department/area, to identify differences of fetal exposure amongst employees with various clinical responsibilities.
Results: Across all groups, the monthly average fetal exposure ranged from below the minimum measurable quantity (M) to 19 mrem. Similarly, the total exposure for the entire monitoring period ranged from M to 85 mrem. Compared to other specialties, RNs are more likely to receive fetal exposures above M. Data analysis per department/area, showed the highest monthly average maximum fetal exposure was recorded for RTs working in the X-ray area.
Conclusion: In this study, the fetal exposures of pregnant healthcare employees did not exceed the monthly and cumulative regulatory limit.