The effectiveness of an educational program for reducing radiation exposure to the lens of the eye in radiological technologists: focusing on patient assistance during chest X-ray examinations.

Radiation exposure risk to the lens of the eye varies based on where technologists assist during chest X-rays. In this study five radiologic technologists participated in the training for lens exposure reduction methods proposed in previous studies, and the personal dose equivalent at a depth of 3 mm [Hp(3)] near the eyes were evaluated. Data were collected before and after the training. After the training, three radiologic technologists had 3%-27% decreases in Hp(3) at the measurement points, and the proportion of selecting the assistance position with the lowest Hp(3) increased. However, one technologist with extensive experience in chest X-ray examinations showed no significant differences in Hp(3) before and after the training. This suggests that the training is specifically effective for technologists with less experience in radiation-related work because the radiation protection education brought about behavioral changes in the radiologic technologists, leading to a reduction in their Hp(3).