Radiation Dose to the Breast in Occupationally Exposed Healthcare Professionals: A Case Series.

OBJECTIVE

To quantify breast dose at the upper outer quadrant (UOQ) and identify factors influencing exposure in female healthcare professionals during routine digital subtraction angiography (DSA) procedures.

METHODS

This preliminary case series combined optically stimulated luminescence dosimetry with structured exposure characterization interviews to measure UOQ breast dose in three female healthcare professionals during routine procedures over a two-month period. Dosimeters were worn under lead garments, and interviews captured professional role, procedural involvement, positioning practices, and protective garment features. Cumulative kerma-area product, reference air kerma, and fluoroscopy time were recorded for each participant. Normalized equivalent dose rates were calculated and descriptively compared with values reported in a published phantom study.

RESULTS

Measurable bilateral UOQ breast dose was detected in two participants, whereas no dose above the minimum reportable dose was recorded in one participant. Absolute doses were low but detectable despite the use of protective garments compliant with current standards. Observed variation in dose appeared to be associated with factors such as armhole gap size and working distance from the x-ray source.

CONCLUSIONS

Measurable UOQ breast dose can occur in clinical practice despite standard protective garments. Further studies with larger cohorts and detailed procedural characterization are required to better define breast exposure patterns and inform breast-specific occupational radiation protection strategies.