In plain language
Across 25 interventional radiology and cardiology procedures, interventionists' highest doses were at the left wrist and finger, with nurses much lower. Estimated annual doses stayed within limits, but high individual readings suggest poor practice could exceed them.
At a glance
- Type of study
- Original research, Dosimetry measurement study
- Who was studied
- Interventional radiologists, Interventional cardiologists, Nurses, Mixed lab staff
- Size
- n = 25 procedures
- Topics
- Dosimetry and monitoringEye lens and cataractsPersonal protective equipmentRoom shielding and protective devices
- Summary based on
- the abstract
What it found
Interventionists received the highest doses at the left wrist and left finger.
Key figures: left wrist average 485 μSv, maximum 5239 μSv; left finger average 324 μSv, maximum 2877 μSv
Interventionists' leg and eye doses were lower than hand doses but reached high maxima.
Key figures: legs average 124 μSv, maximum 1959 μSv; eyes average 64 μSv, maximum 1129 μSv
Assisting nurses received considerably lower doses, with minimal eye doses.
Key figures: wrists average 26 μSv; legs average 18 μSv; eyes average 4 μSv, maximum 16 μSv
Kerma-area product (KAP) was a poor predictor of interventionists' extremity dose.
Key figures: 11.9 to 117.3 μSv/1000 cGy cm²
Estimated annual doses did not exceed extremity or eye lens limits, but limits could be exceeded with poor practice or improper use of protective tools.
Limits to keep in mind
Small sample of 25 procedures at an unstated site; shield use was recorded but its effect was not reported in the abstract, and annual doses were extrapolated from per-procedure measurements.
Related research summaries
- Radiation exposure in interventional cardiology: a narrative review of health effects and novel approaches to ensure radiation safety (2025, Narrative review)
- SCAI Multi-Society Position Statement on Occupational Health Hazards (2020, Guideline or consensus statement)
- Occupational radiation exposure to nursing staff during cardiovascular fluoroscopic procedures: A review of the literature (2018, Narrative review)
- Occupational Radiological Protection in Interventional Procedures, ICRP PUBLICATION 139 (2018, Guideline or consensus statement)
- 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)
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.