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18 March 2010

Answer to Question #1102 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Radiation Workers

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

Is it possible to do mammography and screening if you are a pregnant radiographer?

I am assuming that by "radiographer" you mean someone who actually positions the patient and takes the image of the breast for mammography. A typical mammography operation requires someone to position the patient for imaging and then step behind a barrier (into another room or behind a barrier associated with the machine) to activate the machine. Doses to these individuals are negligible (typically below the minimum detectible level on monthly dosimetry worn by technologists). According to federal and state regulations, steps should be taken to limit doses to the fetus of a pregnant woman to 500 mrem (or less) during the gestation period. It is recommended that these exposures not be over 50 mrem in any month. Since typical radiation doses to mammography technologists are MUCH lower than those allowed to pregnant workers, it is possible to perform mammography screening if you are a pregnant radiographer.

Kathy Allen, Health Physicist

Answer posted on 14 August 2001. The information and material posted on this Web site is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Web site. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.