Monitoring the Occupational Radiation Exposure of an Individual at Multiple Institutions

Abstract

Within a few years of its discovery, ionizing radiation demonstrated adverse effects on biologic systems. Since that time, great strides have been made in radiation protection, detection, and personnel monitoring. Monitoring of the occupational radiation dose to individuals is enforced by several regulatory agencies in the United States and is referenced in numerous sections of the Code of Federal Regulations. A literature review with an examination of regulatory guidelines and a radiation safety officer survey was conducted to evaluate how often radiation exposure is monitored when an individual receives occupational radiation doses at more than one facility. The length of time a radiation safety officer has overseen the radiation safety program at an institution can impact whether dosimetry reports are requested for individuals who work at multiple places. Despite having safer equipment and occupational radiation exposure standards, there is no universal mechanism to track and record exposure for individuals working at more than one institution.