Radiation protection of female patients of reproductive age: a survey of policy and practice in Norway

Krovak, B and Nightingale, J 2007, 'Radiation protection of female patients of reproductive age: a survey of policy and practice in Norway' , Radiography, 13 , pp. 35-43.

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Abstract

The implementation of various policies related to female patients of reproductive capacity was investigated using a structured telephone interview of radiological departments in Norway. The findings suggest that 60% (n ¼ 35/58) of radiological departments have written guidelines regarding female patients of reproductive capacity. The 10-day rule is implemented for a range of examinations in 12% (n ¼ 7/58) of the radiological departments questioned, and in another 9% (n ¼ 5/58) it is only implemented for hysterosalpingography. Forty percent (n ¼ 23/58) of departments are familiar with rapid urine pregnancy tests and use them in certain circumstances. In conclusion, a lack of standardisation of approaches to radiation protection is apparent, and this raises concerns as national and international recommendations are not being correctly implemented. This may lead to confusion amongst patients and staff, and may have adverse consequences such as the accidental irradiation of the unborn child.

Item Type:	Article
Themes:	Subjects / Themes > R Medicine Subjects / Themes > R Medicine > RZ Other systems of medicine Health and Wellbeing
Schools:	Schools > School of Health Sciences
Journal or Publication Title:	Radiography
Publisher:	Elsevier
Refereed:	Yes
ISSN:	1078-8174
Depositing User:	JM Nightingale
Date Deposited:	07 Jan 2011 10:56
Last Modified:	06 Dec 2017 02:26
URI:	http://usir.salford.ac.uk/id/eprint/12721

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