Radiation protection: safety measures and knowledge among interventional radiologists - UK-based analysis

At a glance

Type of study

Original research, Cross-sectional survey

Who was studied

Interventional radiologists, Trainees, Nurses, Radiologic technologists, Mixed lab staff

Size

n = 112 survey respondents

Where

United Kingdom

Topics

Personal protective equipmentRoom shielding and protective devicesDosimetry and monitoringTraining and educationPregnancy and reproductive healthMusculoskeletal injury and ergonomicsEye lens and cataractsSafety culture and complianceWomen in the fieldRegulation and policy

Summary based on

a web page

What it found

• About 40% felt inadequately protected and 70% reported lacking radiation protection training.

  Key figures: ~40%; 70%

• Back pain or posture issues were the most commonly reported health issue; 11% reported cataracts.

  Key figures: 78% (n = 43) of 55; cataracts 11% (n = 6)

• Among pregnant staff, most did not receive real-time monitoring and many lacked individualised risk assessments; 57% received no reasonable adjustments.

  Key figures: 82% no real-time monitoring; 41% no risk assessment; 57% (n = 13) of 23 no adjustments

• Eye and head protection were used less than body personal protective equipment (PPE).

  Key figures: lead glasses 71% (n = 77); head cover 16% (n = 17); thyroid shields 97%

• A quarter were unaware of their exposure levels; 14% exceeded local departmental dose limits.

  Key figures: 25% unaware; 14% exceeded local limits; 2% exceeded 20 mSv

Limits to keep in mind

Self-reported online survey with about a 10% response rate (112 of over 1100 BSIR members) and variable item response, so results may be biased and not representative; health issues are self-reported and not linked to measured dose.

Related research summaries

• 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)
• 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)
• AST Standards for Ionizing Radiation Exposure (Guideline or consensus statement)
• SCAI/ASE/HRS/SIR/SVS Expert Consensus Statement on Enhanced Radiation Protection: Time for Mandatory and Urgent Action (2026, Guideline or consensus statement)