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Am J Perinatol 2023; 40(10): 1106-1111
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1733779
Original Article

Radiation Exposure in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Newborns and Staff

Salih Cagri Cakir 
1   Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Bursa Uludag University Faculty of Medicine, Gorukle, Bursa, Turkey
,
Bayram Ali Dorum 
1   Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Bursa Uludag University Faculty of Medicine, Gorukle, Bursa, Turkey
,
Nilgun Koksal
1   Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Bursa Uludag University Faculty of Medicine, Gorukle, Bursa, Turkey
,
Hilal Ozkan
1   Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Bursa Uludag University Faculty of Medicine, Gorukle, Bursa, Turkey
,
Zeynep Yazici
2   Department of Radiology, Bursa Uludag University Faculty of Medicine, Bursa, Turkey
,
Mufit Parlak
2   Department of Radiology, Bursa Uludag University Faculty of Medicine, Bursa, Turkey
,
Nadide Basak Gulleroglu
2   Department of Radiology, Bursa Uludag University Faculty of Medicine, Bursa, Turkey
› Author Affiliations Funding None.
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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 µGy.

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.

Key Points

  • The premature infants are exposed to radiation due to the bedside X-rays.

  • The radiation exposure levels of premature infants and staff may need to be monitored continuously.

  • Measures and alternative methods to reduce radiation exposure should be encouraged.

Keywords

bedside X-ray - neonatal intensive care unit - newborn - radiation exposure - staff safety


Publication History

Received: 23 March 2021

Accepted: 23 June 2021

Article published online:
28 July 2021

© 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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