Modern requirements for safety and radiation protection during pregnancy
Information for nursing staff, 2025, 57(3), 60-66.
V. Ivanova1, N. Mihaylova2, M. Saleva3
1 Diagnostic and Consulting Center “Avis Medica” – Pleven, student – Specialty “Management of Health Care”, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University – Pleven
2 Sector “X-ray Laboratory Technician”, Department of Medical Diagnostic Activities, Medical College, Medical University – Pleven
3 Department of Health Care Management, Medical Ethics and Information Technologies, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University – Pleven
Abstract. A special approach in the practice of the X-ray laboratory technician is required in cases where a pregnant woman or a woman of reproductive age is referred to a radiographic examination. In order to perform X-ray procedures, every X-ray laboratory technician must know and comply with modern rules for good medical practice. The aim of this review article is to focus on the radiobiological effects on the fetus during X-ray examinations during pregnancy and to compile rules of conduct for X-ray laboratory technicians for radiation protection of pregnancy. A review of scientific literature and regulatory documents in Bulgaria and official international documents for the safe conduct of X-ray examinations during pregnancy was conducted. Possible teratogenic effects on the fetus as a result of X-ray irradiation of a pregnant woman are fetal death, development of various malformations, retardation in mental development, etc. The regulatory framework in Bulgaria sets a number of requirements and obligations for those conducting X-ray examinations on pregnant women or women of fertile age. Rules of conduct for X-ray technicians in these cases have been developed. Conclusions: X-ray diagnostics of pregnant women is not recommended, but can be performed only if medically justified. The risks are associated with the fetus falling within the range of the primary beam of radiation, and not with the exposure of the mother. Training of all healthcare professionals about the risks in these cases is important for their minimization. Safety and quality healthcare in X-ray examination of pregnant women or women of reproductive age is guaranteed by observing basic rules for radiation protection during pregnancy.
Key words: radiation protection, pregnancy, X-ray technician, safety, reproductive age
Address for correspondence: Vanya Ivanova, e-mail: vanq_ivanova_2001@abv.bg