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Answer to Question #2708 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"Category: Pregnancy and Radiation — Exposures to embryo/fetus The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field: Q
With reference to my Q2702 and the x-ray exposures, I wish to add the following x-ray figures to which my wife was exposed. One x ray for the pelvic region and two from the sides were taken. The technician here says only the pelvic region x ray had the exposure to fetus. The settings he gave me are 16 mAs at 75 kVp. Please guide me to convert these figures to the unit of rad so that I can understand whether it was fatal or not.
A
Thank you for the additional information and especially for letting me know this linked to a previous question—that was very helpful. In my original answer, I did assume one x ray was taken of the pelvic area but estimated the fetal dose at 0.2 rad which would be quite high given the factors you have provided in your follow-up.
According to Wagner, et al., (Exposure of the Pregnant Patient to Diagnostic Radiations, Medical Physics Publishing, Madison, Wisconsin) the fetal dose would be only about 0.05-0.07 rad using the factors you have provided.
The other information given would still apply. One, that according to recommendations in this book, there should be no concern below 15 rad and, two, that the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements states that the risk of abnormality is considered negligible at 5 rad or less and the risk of malformation is increased if the doses exceed 15 rad.
Kelly Classic
Certified Medical Health Physicist
Answer posted on 24 June 2003. 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.
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