Purpose: To ensure radiation exposure to pregnant students is kept to a minimum, consistent with their tasks in the imaging department.
A student may elect to declare their pregnancy. Refer to the Declaration of Pregnancy policy below. If a student chooses to declare their pregnancy, they are advised to inform the Dean as soon as possible.
An additional fetal dosimeter shall be issued for a pregnant individual as soon as possible following notification of pregnancy. The additional dosimeter will monitor the dose to the fetus and shall be worn on the hip area underneath any lead apron or other shield.
The Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) is responsible for monitoring exposure to radiation during the gestational period and making suitable recommendations should the exposure level approach 500 mrem (5 mSv).
The maximum permissible dose (MPD) shall not exceed 500 mrem (5 mSv) to the embryo or fetus during the entire gestational period.
If the fetal dose exceeds 500 mrem (5 mSv), the student will be advised to start their maternity leave immediately. Transferring to a non-radiation area would not be in the best interest of the student's educational requirements. The student has several options for re-entry into the Program after the maternity leave, which will be discussed with the Dean and the student before the maternity leave.
If the fetal dose exceeds 50 mrem (0.5 mSv) in any month during the pregnancy, the Dean will schedule a meeting with the student to discuss radiation safety and means to reduce radiation exposure.
The student may revoke the declaration of pregnancy at any time; however, the revocation must be in writing.