Eye lens dose survey for medical staff in interventional cardiology: preliminary results

In 2011, the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) recommended reducing the occupational dose limit for eye lens, Heye lens, from 150 mSv/year to 20 mSv/year. Many countries, including Vietnam, have incorporated the new recommended dose limits into their radiation safety regulations. This study aims to evaluate radiation dose to the eyes of cardiovascular interventional radiology staff in one hospital to assess whether the new dose limits are likely to be exceeded in the unit. At the same time, determine the suitability of using personal dosimeters to estimate eye lens dose. The eye lens doses for 12 cardiovascular interventional staff were measured using optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters (OSLDs) nanoDot type over a period of 10 weeks. At the same time, readings of OSLDs Inlight type (personal dosimeters) were used to estimate the eye lens dose. The eye lens doses estimated by the two methods were then compared. The annual eye lens doses for eight doctors ranged from 2.40±0.44 mSv to 19.10±3.53 mSv. Meanwhile, the doses for four technicians were significantly below the limit, with the highest annual eye lens dose recorded at 4.20±0.78 mSv. The results from personal dosimeters overestimated the eye lens dose by up to 31%. The new eye lens dose limit is highly likely to be exceeded. Relying on personal dosimeter to estimate eye lens dose may lead to overestimation. Protective measures should be implemented to ensure the long-term health and safety of interventional radiology staff.