Use of personal radiation protection tools and individual dosimetric monitoring in a sample of interventional cardiologists in France, 2005–2009

Interventional cardiologists (ICs) are repeatedly exposed to scattered ionising radiation during the cardiac procedures they perform, and radiation protection is an important issue for these medical professionals. The use of radiation protection tools is particularly relevant to this population. SISERI (Systeme d'Information de Is Surveillance de l'Exposition aux Rayonnement Ionisants, that is, an information system for monitoring exposure to ionising radiation) is a register that stores personal dosimeter readings for dosimetric monitoring. This paper, based on data for a sample of French ICs from the O'CLOC epidemiological study, aims to provide an overview of the use of radiation protection equipment and dosimetric devices reported by ICs in a specific questionnaire as well as the dosimetric information found in the SISERI database for this population. Material and Methods - Annual information on interventional cardiology activity for the period from 01/01/2005 to 31/12/2009 was collected in an occupational questionnaire. ICs were asked to report the frequency in which they used individual dosimeter and radiation protection tools (lead apron, thyroid shield, eyewear or face shield, ceiling-suspended shield) as follows: never (0% of the time), occasionally (<50%), regularly (>50%), always (100%). We retrieved their medical radiation exposure information (monitored status and monthly effective doses) from the SISERI database for the period 2005-2009. Results - Information for 132 ICs (mean age in 2005 = 46 +/- 7 years) was available. All ICs reported routine use of lead aprons, in contrast to their occasional use of lead eyewear or face shields. During the study period, 49% reported systematic use of personal dosimeters, and 21% more regular use. On the other hand, 18% never used a dosimeter during this period. The SISTERI database included 92% of our population, 73% of whom had complete annual dose monitoring in SISERI (corresponding to at least 11 months per year of recorded data). Conclusion - ICs must improve their regular use of radiation protection tools and systematic use of personal dosimeters. The SISERI database is an appropziate tool for flagging those medical professionals exposed to ionising radiation. Better awareness of the importance of radiation protection roles in this population, in particular, systematic dosimeter use, remains an important issue.