Characterization of workplaces in interventional radiology using active dosemeters ALARA OD

Because of progressive development and extended use of interventional radiology (IR) procedures it is highly recommended that all individuals involved in the process should be aware of the potential for both stochastic and deterministic effects due to occupational exposure. IR procedures are performed in such a manner that certain number of medical staff are always needed near the patient, near the X-ray unit. The new challenge to regular radiation protection is to ensure 'safe' working environment in such radiation X-ray field geometry. In this work the patient is physically regarded as a secondary radiation source emitting scattered X-rays. Passive dosemeters will give us clear data only about the monthly integrated occupational dose; there is concern over the frequency and duration, actual pattern of receiving this dose. We have developed active electronic dosemeter (AED) device, which provides additional dosimetry data about the frequency and duration of professional low level X-ray exposure burden. (authors)