Radiation Protection in Interventional Radiology

In plain language

This narrative review summarizes radiation protection for interventional radiology teams: time, distance and shielding, aprons, thyroid collars, eyewear, ceiling and table shields, dosimetry, dose limits, and guidance for pregnant workers. It presents no new data.

At a glance

Type of study: Narrative review
Who was studied: Interventional radiologists, Nurses, Anesthesia staff, Mixed lab staff, Patients
Topics: Personal protective equipment Room shielding and protective devices Dosimetry and monitoring Dose reduction techniques Pregnancy and reproductive health Eye lens and cataracts Thyroid Patient dose Regulation and policy Musculoskeletal injury and ergonomics Training and education
Summary based on: the full text

What it found

Ceiling-suspended shields, when properly positioned, can greatly reduce operator scatter exposure, including to the eye lens.
Key figures: 90 to 98%
Lead aprons of 0.5 mm thickness reduce scatter radiation by 90% or more.
Key figures: ≥90%
Sterile lead-free disposable drapes on patients reduce radiation exposure by a wide range.
Key figures: 14% to 94%
Monthly investigation thresholds trigger radiation safety officer (RSO) or physicist review of worker dose.
Key figures: 0.5 mSv effective, 5 mSv lens, 15 mSv extremities per month
Pregnant workers: National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) monthly limit of 0.5 mSv once pregnancy is identified; U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) limit of 5 mSv for the whole pregnancy.
Key figures: 0.5 mSv/month; 5 mSv per pregnancy

Limits to keep in mind

Narrative review without systematic search or original data; effect figures are cited from other studies without detail, and some statements (e.g., lens dose limits) are summarized loosely.

AST Standards for Ionizing Radiation Exposure (Guideline or consensus statement)
Radiation exposure in interventional cardiology: a narrative review of health effects and novel approaches to ensure radiation safety (2025, 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)
SIR-CIRSE Joint Guideline on Occupational Radiation Protection (2010, Guideline or consensus statement)
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.