CRNA radiation exposure

macawake, MSN · Oct 13, 2015

I want to become a CRNA, but Im worried about my health. Ive read online and it seems CRNAs are exposed to radiation everyday. Is this true? should I be concerned?

I'm a nurse anesthetist (I'm not trained and don't work in the US, so the title isn't CRNA). Level of radiation exposure really depends on the type of procedure. Many surgeries don't involve any radiological interventions but some do. I wear a wrap-around lead apron and thyroid shield when ionizing radiation is present/used during the procedures. The only time I've personally worn lead glasses has been in a cardiac cath lab.

Familiarize yourself with the concept ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achieveable) and the effect of time, distance and shielding on the dose you're exposed to. Read up on radiation biology, radiation physics, radiation safety and when the time comes to work in an OR check the official guidelines and your facility's guidelines. Learn how patient size, density the part of the body being "x-rayed" and how the projection (anterior-posterior or oblique-lateral) can affect the mAs and kV (effect/energy) and scattering) and how this relates do the amount of exposure to staff.

OP, Rose Queen is correct. Hospitals take radiation safety seriously. I'm never worried at work but I do arm myself with knowledge so that I can adequately judge the risk for myself.

I've included a link that I think summarizes radiation safety for anesthesia/OR staff well. It's not in-depth but I think it covers the basics in a good way.

https://www.aana.com/newsandjournal/Documents/jcourse2_0611_p257-267.pdf

Trauma Columnist · Oct 14, 2015

Moved to student CRNA forum

gazpaz · Oct 14, 2015

Are you worried about radiation exposure for a specific health concern? When I was pregnant I was removed from all radiation rooms/cement cases. When I was on call and had X-rays - I just wore double lead and stood in the corner. Most places, like IR or the catch lab, have lead for staff and a rolling screen if you want to be more careful. Most places are very accomodating and reasonable with sending staff to radiation areas.

Skip219, BSN, RN · Oct 26, 2015

Hi,

I have spent the last 15 years providing moderate sedation to cardiac cath and interventional radiology patients. The doctors take the highest dose of radiation because of their position next to patient. Most common problems they experience are cataracts,and hand boney changes . As others have mentioned, dosimeter badges are provided- rarely do personnel get even close to max (I think it's 3000 gray) mine is usually 400/month. Some MD don't wear their badges. Other use all the protection. Shielding, time, and distance are key factors.