In plain language
In a self-reported survey of 88 interventional cardiologists in Saudi Arabia, most reported routine shielding and personal protective equipment (PPE) use, but technical knowledge such as dose area product and equipment calibration was weak, and nearly a third did not consistently check dosimeter readings.
At a glance
- Type of study
- Original research, Cross-sectional survey
- Who was studied
- Interventional cardiologists, Interventional radiologists
- Size
- n = 88 healthcare professionals
- Where
- Saudi Arabia
- Topics
- Training and educationSafety culture and complianceDosimetry and monitoringPersonal protective equipmentRoom shielding and protective devicesDose reduction techniques
- Summary based on
- the full text
What it found
Few respondents knew the recommended calibration interval for cath lab equipment.
Key figures: 15 (17%)
Fewer than a third identified dose area product as the best measure of radiation exposure.
Key figures: 27 (30.7%)
Most reported always wearing a thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD), but fewer always followed up on dosimeter readings; about 10% never used a TLD.
Key figures: 79.5% always use TLD; 68.2% always follow up readings; 10.2% never use TLD
Three quarters reported always using ceiling or table-mounted shields and proper collimation; about three quarters always used low fluoroscopy mode.
Key figures: 75% shields; 75% collimation; 76.1% low fluoroscopy mode
Only about half always terminated cine runs promptly or selected appropriate frame rates.
Key figures: 47.7% and 50%
Limits to keep in mind
Small, voluntary, self-reported survey of 88 respondents recruited through professional channels, with no response rate and descriptive analysis only; knowledge was assessed with just four items.
Related research summaries
- Occupational radiation exposure to nursing staff during cardiovascular fluoroscopic procedures: A review of the literature (2018, Narrative review)
- Occupational Protection in Interventional Radiology. A Joint Guideline of the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe and the Society of Interventional Radiology (2026, Guideline or consensus statement)
- Radiation protection practices in diagnostic and interventional cardiology: Position paper from Portuguese Association of Interventional Cardiology (2025, Guideline or consensus statement)
- Addressing the Occupational Risk of Radiation Exposure in the Evolving Field of Interventional Echocardiography (2024, Narrative review)
- Radiation Exposure, Training, and Safety in Cardiology (2024, Narrative review)
How this summary was made
ORSIF prepared this summary with AI assistance from the full text 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.