Clinical Dosimetry During the Angiographic Examination

Data are given on the radiation exposure occurring in high volume angiographic suites to physicians and technical personnel. Emphasis is directed to coronary artery examinations since multiple recording modalities are utilized in these examinations and consequently personnel exposures are greater than in other angiographic studies. A comparison of dose exposures when these examinations are done via the brachial versus the femoral method and an explanation of the higher doses recorded by the brachial method are discussed. A clear health hazard is identified. In those departments with a large volume of angiographic examinations, a periodic rotation of personnel should be instituted. With the availability of inexpensive doserate meters, the directors of cardiovascular laboratories should individually monitor and evaluate exposure to their physicians and the technical personnel involved in their examinations.