# Differing radiation exposure in scrub technicians and rotating staff in Cardiac catheterization laboratory: occupation matters

## TL;DR

This study shows that rotating staff in cardiac cath labs receive higher radiation doses than scrub technicians due to their job roles and mobility.

## Contribution

The study provides new empirical evidence on radiation exposure differences between non-physician staff roles in invasive cardiology.

## Key findings

- Rotating staff had higher effective radiation doses compared to scrub technicians in diagnostic and interventional procedures.
- Statistically significant differences in radiation exposure were observed with p-values of 0.04 and 0.01 for diagnostic and interventional cases, respectively.
- Occupational role and proximity to fluoroscopic sources are key factors influencing radiation exposure.

## Abstract

Radiation exposure is a significant hazard associated with invasive Cardiology, with most studies based on primary operator exposure. This prospective, observational study aimed to find out over lead radiation exposure as effective dose acquired by non-physician staff comprising scrub technicians and rotating staff in the cath laboratory. Effective dose (ED) measured per procedure via Raysafe i2®dosimeter badges worn by both rotating staff and scrub technicians over lead aprons along with dose area product (DAP), fluoroscopy time (FT) and procedure time (PT) in minutes was collected prospectively over forty-six invasive Cardiology procedures.

This study shows that rotating staff acquire higher ED in comparison with their scrub technician colleagues in diagnostic, interventional and electrophysiology cases. However, a statistically significant difference in radiation exposure of both staff groups was demonstrated in diagnostic and interventional Cardiology procedures, with p values of 0.04 and 0.01, respectively.

These findings highlight occupational role and mobility around fluoroscopic sources as major factors in radiation exposure, which should be addressed within current radiation protection practices.