When reporting an estimation of patient dose, which can be reported?

When estimating patient dose, all options presented—entrance skin exposure, bone marrow dose, and gonadal dose—are valid methods for reporting dose estimates.

Entrance skin exposure refers to the amount of radiation absorbed by the skin at the point of entry during a procedure. This measurement is significant as it helps to understand the initial exposure experienced by the patient, which is crucial for assessing potential skin effects or injuries from radiation.

Bone marrow dose provides an estimation of radiation exposure to the bone marrow, an important consideration since bone marrow is sensitive to radiation and its exposure can influence risk for developing radiation-induced conditions, such as leukemia. This measurement is particularly relevant in scenarios where systemic effects of radiation are evaluated.

Gonadal dose estimates the exposure to the reproductive organs, which is vital for assessing risks related to future fertility or potential genetic effects on offspring.

Reporting any of these dose estimates gives a more comprehensive understanding of how a patient has been affected by radiation during a fluoroscopy procedure, thereby aiding in risk assessment and ensuring that patient safety protocols are followed effectively. Each type of dose reporting contributes to a holistic approach to radiation safety, making it essential that all three variables are considered in the assessment.