U.S. Army Medical Department journal
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The purpose of this paper is to describe the measurement and characterization of the radiation exposure to the staff, patients, and the general public as a result of the operation of an interventional pain management (IPM) clinic, as well as the effectiveness of a peer-based fluoroscopy training program to keep doses as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA). During the last decade, pain management has evolved into an essential part of patient care. IPM, a subfield of pain management, uses fluoroscopic imaging in its procedures. ⋯ Ultimately, the goal is to maintain all doses (patient, physician, and the general public) using the ALARA principle. Using a Panasonic thermoluminescent dosimetry system, it was determined that a peer-based fluoroscopy training program effectively reduced the cumulative dose to clinic staff by approximately 50 percent. It was also determined that the standard building materials used in our facility provide enough shielding to keep doses to members of the general public below acceptable limits.