High localised skin doses in interventional radiology

[tony cotterill <cotteril@sghms.ac.uk>]

Hi Eyeryone,

The increased use and complexity of interventional radiology is, in 
our case at least, causing some concern about possible high localised 
skin doses. We are particularly concerned that doses may, in a few 
cases, be approaching levels high enough to give rise to deterministic 
effects such as erythema. This concern arises primarily out of a lack 
of local data and increased reports of skin effects from other 
centres. We are tackling our lack of local data with three dose 
measurement initatives. The first study is using TLDs, the second is 
using film and the third is using an electronic dose meter. 

I would very much like to hear about anybody's experiences in this 
area especially if skin effects have been observed. Also, if anyone is 
involved in a study of doses in interventional radiology then I would 
be very interested in comparing notes and exploring the possibilty of 
collaboration.