Re: Radiation monitoring badges in cine/floro exams

["Wesley M. Dunn" <WDUNN@brc1.tdh.state.tx.us>]

Texas Regulations for Control of Radiation (TRCR) 21.503(a)(1), in 
part, states: 

    When a protectice apron is worn, the location of the 
    individual monitoring device is typically at the neck (collar);

TRCR 21.503(a)(4) requires extremity badges, to the extent 
practicable, be oriented to measure the highest dose to the extremity 
being monitored.   They are, of course, required to wear extremity 
monitors unless you can demonstrate that they won't exceed 10% of the 
annual limit.

Note that TRCR 21.201(c)(3) allows alternative (and more reasonable) 
methods of calculating the EDE IFF 25% of the limit is exceeded for 
fluoro users.  This also allows for two badges to be worn: one at the 
collar and one under the apron (this may not be available in many 
states).

As for their not liking the badges, you should arrange for all 
clinical authorizations to be revoked if they don't wear required
badge(s).  Otherwise, they are jeopordizing the facility's 
authorization to use x-ray equipment.  

While I obviously am referring to regulations in Texas, most states 
have similar requirements.  You should contact your local regulator 
for more accurate information.

Hope this helps,

Wes

> Date sent:      Thu, 7 Nov 96 07:50:07 -0600
> Send reply to:  radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu
> From:           William Lorenzen <LORENZEN_W@A1.TCH.HARVARD.EDU>
> To:             Multiple recipients of list <radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu>
> Subject:        Radiation monitoring badges in cine/floro exams

> What is the recommended practice for the monitoring of workers who are exposed 
> to radiation from cardiac cath. procedures such as cineradiography and 
> fluoroscopy.  I have seen film badges on left upper arms outside lead vest and 
> inside the lead vest in the chest region as well as at the neck above the lead 
> vest.  What is recommended to get accurate assessment of these individuals dose 
> and yet still practical since these workers do not like to wear badges at all?
> 
> Also, what about hand exposures?  Finger rings are not practical (according to 
> the doctors who should wear them)  sometimes they have their hands in the 
> primary beam...  For short periods.
> 
> William A. Lorenzen
> Children's Hospital
> Boston, MA
> 
> lorenzen_w@a1.tch.harvard.edu
> 
> 
*********************************************************************
Wesley M. Dunn, CHP                        512-834-6688
Deputy Director, Licensing                 512-834-6690 (fax)
(Texas) Bureau of Radiation Control        wdunn@brc1.tdh.state.tx.us
*********************************************************************