Reduction methods for finger irradiation doses in mass disasters: A comparative study

Purpose

Since many intraoral radiographs are taken in mass disasters, it is important to reduce the finger irradiation dose to the operator and caregivers in intraoral radiography. However, there is not enough reporting on finger irradiation doses when the detector is placed in the oral cavity of a corpse. The objective of this study was to examine finger irradiation doses when using detector holders and protective gloves and to compare various reduction methods.

Methods

One type of disposable and two types of protective gloves were employed in this study. The average irradiation dose was calculated by dividing the accumulated dose by the number of irradiation events for intraoral imaging of the left mandibular molar; since the dosimeter detects a cumulative dose, irradiation was continued until the dose exceeded 100 μSv. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance, Bonferroni test, and multiple comparisons test (α = 0.05).

Results

A significant dose reduction was observed using protective gloves (maximum: 63%, mean: 59%; p<0.01). No significant difference in the irradiation dose to the finger was observed when disposable gloves were layered on protective gloves. When protective gloves were used with the detector holder held at the end position, the radiation dose reduced by approximately 91% compared to when the detector was held directly in the oral cavity. Implementing these radioprotective measures can reduce the risks of increased radiation exposure and contamination.

Conclusions

The combined use of detector holders and protective gloves was effective in reducing the radiation exposure to the operator's fingers.