Evaluation of radiation exposure from fluoroscopic examination in small animal veterinary staff using thermoluminescent dosimeters

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the occupational radiation exposure levels of veterinary staff during fluoroscopic examination using thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs). A prospective study was conducted to measure radiation doses in three positioned persons (two restrainers and one observer) using TLDs. The TLDs were placed on the inside and outside of the lead-equivalent protective devices of the panorama mask, thyroid shield, apron and arm shield. The TLDs were placed at five anatomic sites (eye, thyroid, breast, gonad and hand). Radiation exposure was measured in 65 fluoroscopic examinations at 80 kVp and 100 mAs. The doses (mSv) (outside/inside the shield) measured in restrainers A and B and observer C were 3.09/0.59, 3.80/0.65 and 0.63/0.44 in the eye; 2.20/0.73, 1.88/1.10 and 0.79/0.45 in the thyroid; 3.42/0.44, 3.94/2.35 and 0.61/0.34 in the breast; 1.84/0.45, 1.69/0.23 and 0.46/0.36 in the gonad; and 5.56/3.16, 8.29/2.99 and 0.79/0.34 in the hand, respectively. Out of all the lead protection devices, the radiation dose of the hand was the highest in all three participants, with the thyroid radiation dose value being the same as the hand in the observer C. Radiation doses received by the eyes of all three participants were also not negligible. Veterinary workers exposed to radiation through not only radiography but also fluoroscopy should wear protective gear, especially for the eyes.