NCRP commentary no. 33—recommendations for stratification of equipment use and radiation safety training for fluoroscopy

Abstract

National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements Commentary No. 33 ‘Recommendations for Stratification of Equipment Use and Radiation Safety Training for Fluoroscopy’ defines an evidence-based, radiation risk classification for fluoroscopically guided procedures (FGPs), provides radiation-related recommendations for the types of fluoroscopes suitable for each class of procedure, and indicates the extent and content of training that ought to be provided to different categories of facility staff who might enter a room where fluoroscopy is or may be performed. For FGP, radiation risk is defined by the type and likelihood of radiation hazards that could be incurred by a patient undergoing a FGP. The Commentary also defines six training groups of facility staff based on their role in the fluoroscopy room. The training groups are based on a combination of job descriptions and the procedures in which these individuals might be involved. The Commentary recommends the extent and content of training that should be provided to each of these training groups. It also provides recommendations on training formats, training frequency, and methods for demonstrating that the learner has acquired the necessary knowledge.