Fetal dosimeter access, usage, and training among pregnant radiographers in South Africa

Abstract

BACKGROUND : Pregnant radiographers require more stringent occupational safety monitoring through fetal dosimetry because of the sensitivity of their fetuses’ cells to radiation. This study aims to describe fetal dosimetry among pregnant radiographers as regards access, usage, and training. METHODS : Quantitative data were collected using an electronic national survey. The study collected 89 responses from pregnant and previously pregnant radiographers in South Africa between January 2021 and April 2021. FINDINGS : The responses revealed that 53.9% (n ¼ 48) of participants had never been issued with a fetal dosimeter. This situation was mostly attributed to the employer and financial constraints (n ¼ 29). Of those with access to fetal dosimeters, 46.1% (n ¼ 41), only 56% (n ¼ 28) indicated that they always wore it. An alarming 52% (n ¼ 26) never consistently recorded fetal doses. DISCUSSION : Most pregnant South African radiographers do not have access to fetal dosimeters.Many of them remain noncompliant, which might be attributed to a lack of training and knowledge about the device.