Journal of Bone Research and Reports

Radiation Exposure Of Filipino Orthopedic Residents In Tertiary Level Hospitals

This multi-center, prospective one-year study aims to know if Filipino orthopedic residents are receiving radiation exposure levels beyond the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) occupational radiation dose limit of 20 mSv per year. Twenty (20) Filipino orthopedic residents of four (4) Metro Manila-based tertiary institutions, from January 1 to December 31, 2013, were equipped with optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dosimeters (InLight, Landauer Inc.) placed inside their lead aprons during procedures that involve radiation exposure. The dosimeters were collected after the year, and submitted to the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) for reading. One-sample t-test and Wilcoxon-signed Rank Test were used to compare radiation exposure level with the occupational radiation dose limit, and conclusion was based on a 5% level of significance. On the average, radiation exposure level of these residents was 1.17 ± 0.24 (SD), values ranged from 0.82 to 1.57. Mean difference of -18.8 from radiation dose limit was significantly lower (95% CI: -18.9; p<0.000). In conclusion, the radiation dosage of a Filipino orthopedic resident is well within the ICRP recommended guidelines. The authors recommend that all orthopedic residents must still wear dosimeter badges and regularly monitor their radiation exposure, and that all efforts should be made to reduce radiation to a minimum.

Author(s):

Mamer S. Rosario, Venancio P. Garduce, Mario B. Geronilla, Joseph Keat T. Sison, and Enrique Leonardo C. Pasion

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