A review of the potential risks which may be induced in the fetus by an in-utero radiation was undertaken. Doses received by staff for the declared term of pregnancy for 1997 to 1999 were presented an compared with existing and forthcoming likely dose limits. It is concluded that doses to pregnant staff are well regulated. A protocol for optimisation of benefit/risk for potential pregnant patients, which is in accordance with recent recommendations is presented.
During the year period 1989 to 1998 dose and risk estimates for 13 Cleveland patients who were unexpectedly found to be pregnant following abdominal X-ray examinations were preformed. The mean values were as follows: gestational age: 6.4 weeks, fetal dose 6.4 mSv, extra childhood cancer risk: 1 in 2600.
It is concluded that, considering the many thousands of potentially pregnant women having abdominal examinations in the time period, very few inadvertent exposures take place and the risks for the irradiated fetuses are small.
Davies ML, McCallum HM, Rawlings DJ, Kotre CJ. Diagnostic X-Rays and Pregnancy in Cleveland. Cleveland Medical Journal 2000; 4: 37-46.
Mr Martin L. Davies, Cleveland Unit, Middlesbrough. Tel: +44 (0)1642-850-850.
Regional Medical Physics Department, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE7 7DN, UK.
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