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21 November 2009

Answer to Question #1651 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Radiation Effects — Effects on Tissues and Organs

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

Do lab studies such as a complete blood count (CBC) need to be conducted in a health care facility for employees who work in the radiology and nuclear medicine departments and, if so, should these be conducted on an annual basis or only after an exposure?

Laboratory procedures such as blood counts are not beneficial on a routine basis, annual or otherwise. Data are pretty clear that doses of at least 250 mSv (25 rem) are required to produce statistically (and clinically) significant changes in blood count. Other common laboratory procedures are even less sensitive. Modern personnel monitors (film or thermoluminescent dosimeter badges) will detect exposures as small as 0.1 mSv (10 mrem). Only if the monitor shows a very large exposure should laboratory testing be considered.

Conclusion: Personnel monitors provide sensitive measurements of occupational radiation doses. No other procedures are necessary.

S. Julian Gibbs, DDS, PhD

Answer posted on 5 February 2002. The information and material posted on this Web site is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Web site. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.