Extremity and chest dosimetry in interventional radiology was the theme of the SPR’s Radiological Protection Study Group, taught by the engineer Lidia Vasconcelos de Sá.

Lidia addressed the topic in a very comprehensive way, recalling historical moments, such as the First World War, and mentioning the RADIUM GIRLS, which brought knowledge of the effect of radiation in 1928. She explained that, since radiation has been discovered, the concern about radiation arised, especially to the extremities, in the medical community.

She quoted:

• 1928 – ICRP – protection recommendations;
• World War II – with the atomic bomb, there was the observation of the effects of radiation on survivors and new research began – more refined studies;
• Radiobiology – molecular biology and radio-epidemiology have grown a lot;
• Non-governmental (ICRP) and governmental (UNSCEAR*) scientific basis – recommendations and IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) organizes – publishes standards;
• Critical areas in medicine – worldwide research to improve dosimetry and some methods of protection;
• Factors Affecting Occupational Exposure
  • Dose limit: dose distribution, good EPI shielding practices, training (skill), routine monitoring, exposure levels;
  • Shielding: use of protection, shields, aprons, glasses, curtains; staff height, x-ray tube position; kV, mA, time, pulse characteristic number; patient irradiated volume; relative position in relation to the patient.

Watch the full class (in portuguese):

*UNSCEAR – Updated data on exposures and their trends in different geographic areas, demographic characteristics, health indicators, etc.