In plain language
This Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR)-Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe (CIRSE) guideline advises the fluoroscopy team to combine aprons, thyroid shields, ceiling and table shields, and eye protection, wear two dosimeters, and use patient dose-reduction techniques, noting that properly protected interventional radiologists typically receive 2-4 mSv per year.
At a glance
- Type of study
- Guideline or consensus statement
- Who was studied
- Interventional radiologists, Nurses, Radiologic technologists, Anesthesia staff, Mixed lab staff
- Topics
- Eye lens and cataractsPersonal protective equipmentRoom shielding and protective devicesDosimetry and monitoringDose reduction techniquesTraining and educationRegulation and policyPregnancy and reproductive healthMusculoskeletal injury and ergonomicsCancer risk
- Summary based on
- the full text
What it found
Eye protection (ceiling-suspended shields or leaded eyewear) is strongly advised at all times because the cataract threshold may be very low or absent and can be reached within several years.
Key figures: threshold possibly <0.1 Gy
Disposable bismuth or tungsten-antimony patient drapes substantially reduce operator dose.
Key figures: 12-fold eyes, 26-fold thyroid, 29-fold hands
Leaded glasses reduce frontal eye dose by about 8-10 times, but only 2-3 times when side exposure is included.
Key figures: factor 8-10 frontal; 2-3 with side exposure
A busy interventional radiologist using appropriate precautions typically receives an effective dose of 2-4 mSv/year.
Key figures: 2-4 mSv/year; unlikely >10 mSv/year
0.5-mm lead-equivalent composite and lead-free aprons vary in protection; International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) recommends two dosimeters (under and over apron) and annual fluoroscopic apron inspection.
Key figures: 0.6% to 6.8% transmission
Limits to keep in mind
Expert consensus guideline based on a literature review without formal grading of evidence; cited dose figures come from other studies and mostly concern physicians rather than nurses, technologists or other staff.
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)
- 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)
- Radiation Protection in Interventional Radiology (2022, Narrative review)
- Occupational Radiological Protection in Interventional Procedures, ICRP PUBLICATION 139 (2018, Guideline or consensus statement)
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.