A multicentre survey of knowledge and implementation of radiation protection techniques in cardiac cath-lab medical personnel

Background: Awareness of radiation hazards and methods to reduce radiation dose is a sine qua non for all staff working in the cath-lab for their own safety and their patient's safety.

Results: There were large variations in the implementation of radiation protection techniques with overall inadequate radiation risk knowledge. Some members of the cath-lab team are at higher risk of radiation-induced side effects, including the fellows, nurses, technicians, and anaesthesiologists because they spent longer time in the cath-lab and/or their position in relation to the source of radiation. About 10% of the participants have reported different health problems potentially induced by radiation exposure.

Conclusions: There is lack of radiation risks knowledge with inadequate radiation protection practice among cath-lab team. Some members such as fellows, nurse, technicians, and cardiac anaesthesiologist are at higher risks. They represent the forgotten members of the Cath-Lab team.