SCAI/ASE/HRS/SIR/SVS Expert Consensus Statement on Enhanced Radiation Protection

Abstract

Health care professionals in fluoroscopic laboratories face significant occupational hazards, including cancer, cataracts, and reproductive concerns due to prolonged exposure to iodizing radiation, and orthopedic injuries stemming from long-term use of heavy aprons as protection from radiation. Despite substantial advancements in radiation protection technology, adoption of these advancements has been slow, hindered by the high upfront costs of implementation and the lag in revising institutional and regulatory radiation exposure thresholds to reflect the capabilities of contemporary enhanced radiation protection devices (ERPDs). This multisociety statement, endorsed by the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions, American College of Cardiology, the American Society of Echocardiography, the Heart Rhythm Society, the Society of Interventional Radiology, and the Society for Vascular Surgery, calls for mandatory implementation of ERPDs to meet as low as reasonably achievable standards. This expert consensus statement outlines the ethical and legal responsibilities of government, fluoroscopy laboratory manufacturers, and health care institutions to protect all health care professionals from avoidable workplace hazards and the urgent need to implement ERPDs. The document does not promote or recommend any single ERPD system, and the choice of protection technology is left to department preference. It also addresses the importance of training, monitoring, and continuous research to optimize radiation safety practices. The document advocates for updated regulations and standardized practices across states to ensure comprehensive protection for all fluoroscopy laboratory personnel.