Radiation Therapy Concerns for Pregnant Caregivers: Safety Guidelines

Radiation Issues

Hello, Doctor: Currently, an elder in my family needs to undergo radiation therapy (radiotherapy), but only my pregnant wife, who is about four months along, can accompany them.
I would like to inquire about the following issues regarding a pregnant woman accompanying someone to the radiation department: 1.
After the treatment is completed and the radiation therapy room door opens (and the machine stops), will there be residual radiation in the treatment room (including the corridor)? 2.
Will a pregnant woman assisting the elder in and out of the treatment room have any impact on the fetus? 3.
Is there any safety concern when passing near the metal door while the radiation therapy machine is in operation? How far should one maintain distance to ensure safety? Note: The hospital's treatment machine is a Varian EDGE 6D linear accelerator.
Thank you, Doctor, for addressing these questions.

HYAH, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/12/02

Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology

Hello, radiation exposure occurs only in the "treatment" phase within the radiation therapy room.
When the machine is not in operation, there is no residual radiation.
If the equipment complies with the radiation equipment usage regulations set by the Atomic Energy Council, there is no risk of radiation exposure outside the imaging room (including outside the metal door).
However, since the radiation imaging room is a controlled area, it is recommended to adhere to the operational guidelines established by the hospital for controlled areas.
If a family member accompanying the patient is pregnant, it is advisable to inform the staff of the unit during the visit to remind them of the precautions against accidental radiation exposure.
Please take this into consideration, and wish you safety and health.

Reply Date: 2021/12/02

More Info

When considering the safety of a pregnant caregiver accompanying a family member undergoing radiation therapy, there are several important factors to address. Here are the answers to your specific questions, along with additional context regarding radiation safety for pregnant individuals.

1. Residual Radiation After Treatment: Once the radiation therapy machine is turned off, there is no residual radiation left in the treatment room or the surrounding areas. The radiation emitted during treatment is only present while the machine is operational. Therefore, after the treatment session concludes and the machine is no longer in use, it is safe for anyone, including a pregnant individual, to enter the treatment room and the adjoining areas without concern for residual radiation exposure.

2. Impact on the Fetus While Assisting a Patient: When a pregnant woman assists a family member entering or exiting the treatment room, there is no significant risk to the fetus, especially if the treatment has concluded and the machine is off. The primary concern would be during the actual treatment when the machine is operational. In such cases, it is advisable for the pregnant caregiver to minimize time spent in the treatment area and to maintain a safe distance from the radiation source. However, once the treatment is over, the risk is negligible.

3. Safety Near the Treatment Room During Operation: While the radiation therapy machine is in operation, it is crucial to follow safety protocols. The general guideline is to maintain a distance of at least 6 feet (approximately 2 meters) from the treatment room during active treatment. The metal doors of the treatment room are designed to provide shielding against radiation, and they effectively block radiation from escaping the treatment area. Therefore, as long as the pregnant caregiver remains outside the treatment room during the procedure, there is no need for concern regarding safety.

Additional Considerations:
- Communication with Healthcare Staff: It is essential for the pregnant caregiver to inform the healthcare staff about her pregnancy. This allows the staff to provide additional guidance and ensure that appropriate safety measures are in place to minimize any potential risks.

- Radiation Exposure Guidelines: According to the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), the recommended dose limit for a fetus during pregnancy is 1 mSv. Most radiation therapy procedures, especially when the caregiver is not in the treatment room during operation, will not approach this limit.

- General Radiation Safety Principles: The principles of radiation safety—Time, Distance, and Shielding (TDS)—should be adhered to. Reducing the time spent near the radiation source, maintaining a safe distance, and utilizing shielding (like the treatment room's walls and doors) are effective strategies to minimize exposure.

- Consultation with Specialists: If there are any lingering concerns about radiation exposure or specific medical advice, it is always best to consult with a radiation safety officer or a medical physicist at the healthcare facility. They can provide tailored advice based on the specific circumstances and equipment used.

In summary, the pregnant caregiver can safely accompany her family member for radiation therapy as long as she follows the recommended guidelines and communicates her condition to the healthcare staff. The risks associated with residual radiation are minimal after treatment, and proper precautions can ensure both her safety and that of her unborn child.

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