Occupational dose in pediatric seriography of the esophagus, stomach and duodene

Pediatric seriography exams of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum, performed through fluoroscopy, commonly require the assistance of occupationally exposed individuals (OEI) for positioning and immobilization of the patient. The aim of the present study was to estimate the dose received by these professionals who remain in the examination room during exposure to radiation and to study the radiological protection conditions of the OEIs –use of lead apron and distance to the patient. For this purpose, a Radcal Corporation model 10X5-6 parallel plate ionization chamber with a sensitive volume of 180 cm³ was used, positioned at 50cm from the isocenter, representing the first OEI that helps containing upper limbs. Two polyethylene mannequins were filled with water to represent the second OEI, which contains lower limbs (also positioned 50 cm from the isocenter) and the pediatric patient, placed on the table in a primary bundle. Air kerma received by the unprotected OEI during pediatric examination amounts to tens of mGy. The radiographic mode can contribute approximately 30% of the total air kerma per SEED procedure performed in pediatric patients. The significant reduction in air kerma rates by optimizing technical parameters such as lead clothing and isocenter distance reiterates that the use of protective measures substantially reduces occupational radiation doses. (author)