Direct and indirect assessment: comparison of different methods to estimate staff equivalent dose to the lens during different interventional procedures

In plain language

In 41 physicians, chest dosimeter readings gave reasonable and mostly conservative estimates of eye lens dose in cardiac and electrophysiology procedures. They often underestimated lens dose in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), where a dosimeter near the eye appears needed.

At a glance

Type of study: Original research, Dosimetry measurement study
Who was studied: Interventional cardiologists, Electrophysiologists, Gastroenterologists
Size: n = 449 dosimetric pairs
Topics: Eye lens and cataracts Dosimetry and monitoring Regulation and policy
Summary based on: the abstract

What it found

Direct and indirect (chest-based) lens dose estimates correlated significantly in haemodynamic and electrophysiology procedures.
Indirect estimates were conservative in about 80% of cases and never led to the 20 mSv annual limit being exceeded.
Key figures: approximately 80%
For ERCP there was no significant correlation, and chest-based estimates often underestimated lens dose because of non-frontal exposure geometry.
41 physicians were monitored with thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) near the eye and on the chest above the apron, giving 449 valid pairs.
Key figures: 41 physicians; 449 valid dosimetric pairs

Limits to keep in mind

Abstract only, with no country or dose values reported. The sample is a modest number of physicians from three procedure types, and the abstract does not say how eyewear or shielding use was handled.

SCAI/ASE/HRS/SIR/SVS Expert Consensus Statement on Enhanced Radiation Protection: Time for Mandatory and Urgent Action (2026, Guideline or consensus statement)
SCAI Multi-Society Position Statement on Occupational Health Hazards (2020, Guideline or consensus statement)
Radiation-Induced Noncancer Risks in Interventional Cardiology: Optimisation of Procedures and Staff and Patient Dose Reduction (2013, Narrative review)
A summary of recommendations for occupational radiation protection in interventional cardiology (2012, Guideline or consensus statement)
IU Health Handbook of Fluoroscopy Safety (Guideline or consensus statement)

How this summary was made

ORSIF prepared this summary with AI assistance from the abstract of the paper. A program then checked that the passage supporting each finding appears word for word in that source. A person has not yet reviewed each summary, so read the original before relying on a number. ORSIF summarizes research and does not endorse any product or company. Report a problem with this summary.

Prepared November 3, 2026.