First Data about Radiation Level Evaluation of doses to Medical Staff working at the Catheterization Laboratory at Katmandu, Nepal

摘要

In Nepal, the situation of radiation protection is very "far from ideal". In fact, up to now, there is no regulatory authority to control activities with the use of ionizing radiation. Without laws/regulations, any activity in the field of radiation protection is mainly based on individual initiative. The aim of this study was to make an assessment of the personal dose levels during fluoroscopy at the Catheterization Laboratory (Cath. Lab.) at the biggest National Heart Center, in Katmandu, by using TLDs. As there is no personnel radiation dose monitoring systems in the country, these are the first data available. Interventional cardiology is known to deliver potentially high doses to patients and staff, due to, frequent long procedures and the presence of the workers at the side of the patients during fluoroscopy. Department radiation measurements have been done to assess the status of radiation level around and in the Cath-Lab. The aim being to investigate the status of barriers, radiation safety, procedures and practices, proper working conditions and evaluate personnel radiation doses. The understandings of the specific working conditions are essential to take steps towards the establishment of Nepalese laws, regulations and codes of practice. Taking into account the particular kind of risk, the operators had the dosimeter on the left shoulder, outside the apron (best approximation to the position of the eyes). The TLDs values were well within the international limits. The departmental survey did not present problems except the lack of protection under the table in one room; clearly this was giving very high doses to the feet of the operators. The problem was corrected immediately. Despite of the reasonable low TLDs values, it is strongly recommended to start a regular Quality Control Program of the equipment as well as a dosimeter service and to keep a record of DAP values of each investigation, in order to estimate doses to patients and staff.