Radiation exposure in the neonatal intensive care unit in newborns and staff

Abstract

Objective Portable X-rays remain one of the most frequently used diagnostic procedures in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). Premature infants are more sensitive to radiation-induced harmful effects. Dangers from diagnostic radiation can occur with stochastic effects. We aimed to determine the radiation exposure in premature infants and staff and determine the scattering during X-ray examinations in the NICU. Study Design In this prospective study, dosimeters were placed on premature infants who were <= 1,250 g at birth and <= 30 weeks of gestational age who stayed in the NICU for at least 4 weeks. The doses were measured at each X-ray examination during their stay. The measurements of the nurses and the doctors in the NICU were also performed with dosimeters over the 1-month period. Other dosimeters were placed in certain areas outside the incubator and the results were obtained after 1 month. Results The mean radiation exposure of the 10 premature infants, monitored with dosimeters, was 3.65 +/- 2.44 mGy. The mean skin dose of the six staff was 0.087 +/- 0.0998 mSV. The mean scattered dose was 67.9 +/- 26.5 mu Gy. Conclusion Relatively high exposures were observed in 90% of the patients and two staff. The radiation exposure levels of premature infants and staff may need to be monitored continuously.