893
edits
Changes
→Radiological protection of patients
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===Protecting pregnant patients===
{{#evt:service=youtube|id=https://youtu.be/2gQbR4gVXM8|dimensions=500|container=frame|alignment=right|description=Video courtesy of the International Atomic Energy Agency}}
Early pregnancy can go undetected, so it is prudent to ensure that patients of childbearing potential are not pregnant before undergoing [[diagnostic radiology]] or [[nuclear medicine]] studies that provides doses above which the risk of adverse fetal health effects is not considered negligible (1–10 mGy) ([https://www.acr.org/-/media/ACR/Files/Practice-Parameters/Pregnant-Pts.pdf]). Before [[Radiation therapy]], and in the absence of a documented history of applicable gynaecological surgery (e.g. tubal ligation, hysterectomy) or an established postmenopausal state, serum or urine pregnancy tests should be obtained, ideally 24–72 h prior to treatment ([http://jnm.snmjournals.org/content/53/10/1633]).