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29 August 2008

Answer to Question #2687 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Pregnancy and Radiation — Exposures not directly to embryo/fetus

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

I am scheduled for a triple injection right-wrist arthrogram. My husband and I are trying to get pregnant. Due to this procedure, should we stop trying until after the test?

It is likely that the "triple injection" refers to the administration of contrast material (not radioactive material) and the arthrogram will be done with x rays of the area of interest. If this is the case and the area of interest is your wrist, there would be little or no radiation exposure of the fetus if you were to be pregnant at the time of the procedure. The x-ray machine would be focused on your wrist.

I would recommend, though, that if you are pregnant at the time of the procedure, tell whomever is doing the arthrogram that you are pregnant and request a lead apron to cover your abdominal area. Even though there should be no abdominal radiation exposure from the arthrogram, I think requesting and having the lead apron can add that little extra peace of mind.

Good luck.

Kelly Classic
Certified Medical Health Physicist

Answer posted on 27 May 2003. 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.