RADIOPROTECTION IN 2018: AN UPDATE

Fluoroscopically-guided interventional procedures are performed in large numbers in Europe and in the United States. Radiation doses received by interventional radiologists can vary for the same type of procedure and for similar patient doses. Occupational radiation protection is a necessity whenever radiation is used in the practice of medicine. The International Commission on Radiological Protection is engaging against occupational radiation damages, publishing regular recommendations on dose limits. These limits are expressed as effective doses for the whole body and also as equivalent doses for particular regions or tissues of practitioners’ bodies. Shielding and personal protective clothes are the most common tools for radiation protection employed up to now. Radiation protection is a dynamic field. It has undergone a significant evolutionary period during the past few decades and general improvement of protection techniques and technology is expected to continue. Further progress in the application of protection principles and concepts will contribute to balanced protection.