Answer to Question #5628 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

I am a radiologic technologist currently looking for a job. I just found out that I'm eight weeks pregnant. How much danger am I putting my baby in by continuing in my career field? If I get a job as a radiologic technologist I will be taking x rays and using fluoroscopy and C-arm equipment. I will not be able to tell a facility I'm pregnant right away or I won't be hired. Please respond. I am desperately seeking answers.

A well-run radiology department is a very risk-free environment in which to work. No one is given an assignment that puts one at risk. The monthly exposures are frequently zero or very low. All the staff members who are potentially exposed wear film badges to make certain that they are not exposed above certain levels. For instance, if you are taking a chest x ray, you are in another room and receive no exposure. If you are helping with a fluoroscopy, you wear a lead apron and the fetus is protected. Remember the x-ray beam is coned and is never directed at the radiologist or the technician. Furthermore, at eight weeks you are 42 days post conception and all the major organs have formed. Good luck and stop worrying.

Robert Brent, MD, PhD