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

Abstract

OBJECTIVE\n\u2003Portable 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.\n\n\nSTUDY DESIGN\n\u2003In this prospective study, dosimeters were placed on premature infants who were ≤1,250\u2009g 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.\n\n\nRESULTS\n\u2003The mean radiation exposure of the 10 premature infants, monitored with dosimeters, was 3.65\u2009±\u20092.44 mGy. The mean skin dose of the six staff was 0.087\u2009±\u20090.0998 mSV. The mean scattered dose was 67.9\u2009±\u200926.5 µGy.\n\n\nCONCLUSION\n\u2003Relatively 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.\n\n\nKEY POINTS\n· 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..