Radiation protection for healthcare professionals working in catheterisation laboratories during pregnancy: a statement of the EAPCI in collaboration with EHRA, EACVI, the ESC Regulatory Affairs Committee and Women as One

At a glance

Type of study

Guideline or consensus statement

Who was studied

Interventional cardiologists, Electrophysiologists, Mixed lab staff

Topics

Pregnancy and reproductive healthWomen in the fieldWorkforce and careersRegulation and policySafety culture and compliance

Summary based on

the abstract

What it found

• Surveys show radiation exposure is commonly reported as the primary barrier for women pursuing careers in interventional cardiology or electrophysiology.

• Fear of foetal radiation exposure during pregnancy may cause prolonged career interruption.

• The statement reviews radiation risk and existing data on cardiologists who kept working in cath labs throughout pregnancy.

• The document proposes measures to improve workplace safety and encourage equity.

Limits to keep in mind

Consensus statement based on literature review and expert opinion rather than new data; only the abstract was available, so specific recommendations and dose figures are not reported here.

Related research summaries

• SCAI Multi-Society Position Statement on Occupational Health Hazards (2020, Guideline or consensus statement)
• ALARA+: Summit on Radiation and Orthopedic Risks in Fluoroscopic Laboratories (2026, Guideline or consensus statement)
• Occupational exposure to ionizing radiation in pregnant staff: Consensus document (Spanish societies) (2023, Guideline or consensus statement)
• Radiation safety program for the cardiac catheterization laboratory (2011, Guideline or consensus statement)
• SCAI Consensus Document on Occupational Radiation Exposure to the Pregnant Cardiologist and Technical Personnel (2011, Guideline or consensus statement)