An Information System Supporting Electromagnetic Compatibility and Radiation Risk Management in the Modern Hospital

Background information: Electromagnetic radiation is the transmission of energy in the form of waves having an electric and magnetic component. Almost all forms of electromagnetic radiation, which constitute the electromagnetic spectrum, such as radio waves, visible, infrared, and uliraviolet light, X-rays and gamma rays, are employed in the contemporary Hospital. There are some crucial decisions made in hospitals, concerning the dealing with the Electromagnetic radiation, which are of non-medical nature, but, they have a direct bearing on the operation of the whole structure. We have developed a system to address problems and decisions that lend themselves to being supported by such an information correlation. System description: According to their frequency and energy, electromagnetic waves can be classified as either "ionizing radiation" (IR) or "non-ionizing radiation" (NIR) and this distinction determines the appropriate measuring equipment and methods, for the risk estimation. Ionization Chambers were used for real-time measurements, and Thermoluminescence Dosimetry (TLD) was employed for long-term Exposure and Dose measurements, of ionizing radiation, in the Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy Departments. Magnetic Field measurements have been carried out in the Outpatient Department, in the ICU, the Operating Theater and other critical areas of the Hospital, by employing an one-turn coil, as Electromagnetic Compatibility and Interference detector.