Radiation doses delivered to radiologists during contrast-enhanced helical-CT examinations

This work monitors the radiation doses to a radiologist during supervision of automatic contrast media injections during helical-CT examinations of th e chest and abdomen. Forty consecutive standard helical-CT examinations of adult's chest and/or abdomen were monitored with five dosimeters worn by th e radiologist supervising the entire injection with the hand on the injecti on site. Mean doses per examination measured at chest, thyroid gland, and h and levels were 11, 16, and 130 mu Gy, respectively, during chest examinati ons, and 5, 7, and 55 mu Gy during abdominal examinations. According to the high number of CT examinations performed, wearing lead apron, special lead glove protection, and thyroid shield is highly recommended.