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VOLUME 54 , ISSUE 1 ( January-March, 2020 ) > List of Articles

Original Article

Occupational Radiation Exposure during Pregnancy: A Personal Experience

Sarika Prashar

Keywords : Fetal absorbed dose, Nuclear medicine, Pregnancy, Radiation exposure

Citation Information : Prashar S. Occupational Radiation Exposure during Pregnancy: A Personal Experience. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2020; 54 (1):5-7.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10028-1347

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 01-06-2018

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2020; The Author(s).


Abstract

Introduction: The maximum permissible dose limit to an occupational radiation worker has been universally fixed at 20.0 mSv per annum. However, this limit in the case of a pregnant radiation worker is set at 1.0 mSv as the developing embryo/fetus is considered as a member of the general public. Thus, a female radiation worker during her pregnancy encounters a typical situation where she has to keep a balance between the prescribed radiation dose restrictions and the professional commitment. Materials and methods: In the present article, the radiological safety officer describes her own experience and the radiation risk to the fetus during the entire period of pregnancy, using thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD) badges and digital pocket monitors. Results: In the present study, the total radiation doses received during the two pregnancy episodes (as recorded by TLDs and digital pocket monitors) on the surface of abdomen were 550.0 μSv and 400 μSv, and 98.0 μSv and 88.0 μSv, respectively. Conclusion: Practically, pregnant workers can work safely by following appropriate shielding and radiation safety practices.

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