Answer to Question #965 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

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

I am a diagnostic radiologist who performs arteriograms daily. I am in my first trimester of pregnancy and want to know what the risks are to the fetus.

The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission has a document, Regulatory Guide 8.13 Instruction Concerning Prenatal Radiation Exposure, that discusses the risks to the embryo/fetus and also the regulatory requirements related to a pregnant radiation worker. If you work for an agreement state you should contact your state regulatory agency. You should be able to obtain similar information there.

Genevieve S. Roessler, PhD

Editor, Health Physics Society Web Site

Answer posted on June 5, 2001. 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.