WORK PRACTICES AND RADIATION EXPOSURE AMONG MALE RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGISTS ASSISTING FLUOROSCOPICALLY GUIDED INTERVENTIONAL PROCEDURES

Abstract

This study investigated occupational characteristics and radiation exposure among radiologic technologists assisting fluoroscopically guided interventional (FGI) procedures. A nationwide survey of radiologic technologists in South Korea was conducted. Among 8058 male respondents, 664 (8.2%) assisted FGI procedures. The survey data were linked with dosimetry data from the National Dose Registry. Most radiologic technologists assisting FGI procedures were 30-40 years old and employed by general hospitals. These technologists worked in closer proximity to patients during procedures, less frequently used shield screens, more commonly utilized protective devices, and less commonly wore badge dosemeters than the ones not assisting FGI procedures. The average annual effective dose did not differ according to the performance of FGI procedures. The average cumulative effective dose among radiologic technologists assisting FGI procedures was significantly greater for those who had recently entered the field and personnel in rural areas than for those who did not assist these procedures.