Principles of Radiation Safety in Interventional Radiology

In interventional radiology, it is important to prioritize radiation safety and minimize the dose of ionizing radiation received by patients and staff. Any imaging modality that uses X-ray beams produces ionizing radiation that can have damaging effects on biological tissue. Interventional radiologists should adhere to the ALARA principle, which states that the dose of radiation used for procedures should be as low as reasonably achievable. Three important variables to consider in radiation safety include the duration of exposure, the distance of patients and staff from the radiation source, and the use of appropriate shielding. This chapter will provide an overview of radiation safety and practical tips to optimize safety in the interventional radiology suite.