A snapshot of occupational radiation dose in veterinary radiology

• Published in: Radiation physics and chemistry (Oxford, England : 1993) Vol. 168; p. 108581
• Main Authors: Elshami, Wiam, Abuzaid, Mohamed, Rajab, Omar, Almajed, Nada, Alnuwaiser, Ohood, Alghareeb, Aisha, Alhomoud, Bahiiah
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01-03-2020; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Equine radiology; Occupational radiation dose; Physicians; Radiation; Radiation dosage; Radiation protection; Radiology; Technologists; Veterinary radiology; Workers; Veterinary radiology; Occupational radiation dose; Equine radiology; Radiation
• ISSN: 0969-806X; 1879-0895
• DOI: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2019.108581

The aim of the study was to investigate the occupational radiation dose for medical workers in the equine hospital and to compare it with the national and international recommended limits.
A retrospective study analysed the occupational dose record for the years 2015 and 2016. The study included all workers (physicians, radiological technologists, and grooms) who are potentially exposed to radiation during routine work.
Total of 112 TLD readings were analysed. The annual average effective dose was 0.77 mSv for all workers. The highest annual effective dose was 2.23 mSv. Individual doses were below the recommended limit by the ICRP, but grooms and radiological technologists received higher annual effective doses compared to doctors.
It is crucial to promote radiation awareness among veterinary workers. Particular attention should be directed to the protection of radiological technologists and grooms, who were the most exposed worker group. The study recommends the utilization of ALARA principle and radiation protection guidelines to reduce radiation dose to radiological technologists and grooms.
•The occupational dose in equine radiology was studied.•The annual average effective dose was 0.77 mSv.•Grooms and radiologic technologists had higher dose compared to doctors.•The average annual effective dose was significantly lower than 20 mSv per year.