In plain language
In 1,457 monitored health workers in nine French hospitals, recorded under-apron doses were low and fell between 2009 and 2019, including in interventional radiology and cardiology. Nuclear medicine staff had the highest, stable doses. Eye and hand doses were not assessed.
At a glance
- Type of study
- Original research, Retrospective cohort study
- Who was studied
- Radiologic technologists, Nurses, Other physicians, Anesthesia staff, Other surgeons, Interventional radiologists, Interventional cardiologists, Mixed lab staff
- Size
- n = 1,457 health workers
- Where
- France
- Topics
- Dosimetry and monitoring
- Summary based on
- the full text
What it found
Average whole-body dose among monitored health workers decreased significantly over 2009-2019, a 58% drop between 2009 and 2019 means.
Key figures: -0.008 (95%confidence interval (CI) -0.010 to -0.005) mSv/year
Nuclear medicine workers had the highest exposure, which stayed stable over time; interventional radiology was second.
Key figures: 0.36 mSv (0.33-0.39) nuclear medicine; 0.20 mSv (0.17-0.23) interventional radiology
Radiologic technologists and physicians were the most exposed professions, with decreasing exposure; nurses had lower mean doses.
Key figures: 0.15 mSv (95%CI 0.14-0.16) technologists; nurses 0.05 mSv
The share of nonzero recorded doses fell from 38% in 2009 to 20% in 2019.
Key figures: 38% to 20%
Overall mean dose was low, with only one annual dose above the 20 mSv limit, in a surgery department in 2014.
Key figures: OM = 0.10 mSv, 95%CI 0.10-0.11, max = 24.74
Limits to keep in mind
Retrospective registry data from a single chest dosimeter worn under the apron, with doses below 0.05 mSv recorded as zero and possible non-wearing of dosimeters; workers who changed jobs were excluded, and no eye, extremity or health outcome data were analysed.
Related research summaries
- SCAI Multi-Society Position Statement on Occupational Health Hazards (2020, Guideline or consensus statement)
- Occupational Radiological Protection in Interventional Procedures, ICRP PUBLICATION 139 (2018, Guideline or consensus statement)
- Literacy in the Scope of Radiation Protection for Healthcare Professionals Exposed to Ionizing Radiation: A Systematic Review (2024, Systematic review)
- AAPM Medical Physics Practice Guideline 12.a - Fluoroscopy Dose Management (2022, Guideline or consensus statement)
- Occupational Radiation Exposures in Interventional Radiology and the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory (2026, Retrospective cohort study)
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.