[ RadSafe ] Insulin Pumps and X-rays

[Rees, Brian G]

Some electronic components are sensitive to high rates, and the instantaneous rate for a short pulse can be pretty high.   The accumulated dose may be low, but that's only part of the story.  I suspect that as parts shrink, and power decreases, that this susceptibility may increase.   

Brian Rees 

-----Original Message-----
From: radsafe-bounces at health.phys.iit.edu [mailto:radsafe-bounces at health.phys.iit.edu] On Behalf Of Dewolfe, James
Sent: Friday, December 09, 2016 12:46 PM
To: radsafe at health.phys.iit.edu
Subject: [ RadSafe ] Insulin Pumps and X-rays

Multiple manufacturers of insulin pumps used by diabetics warn not to expose the pump to x-rays, including diagnostic x-rays and CTs. One manufacturer warns not to wear them during nuclear medicine exams. They warn to keep them out of the same room as an x-ray machine (even dental units), so this is not a warning about the impact on image quality. Does anyone understand how these devices could be so sensitive to small amounts of radiation? I was asked about this today by a radiology technologist, and I was unable to answer his question. I am skeptical that these pumps could be that sensitive and still function in the real world with fluctuating background radiation.

James DeWolfe | Health Physicist | Children's Hospital Colorado
13123 East 16th Avenue, Box B125  |  Aurora, CO 80045

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