Occupational Protection in Interventional Radiology. A Joint Guideline of the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe and the Society of Interventional Radiology

Abstract

Purpose: Since the initial edition of this Guideline was published in 2010, it has become increasingly clear that occupational protection involves more than just radiation protection. Additionally, radiation exposure to operators and staff occurs from sources other than fluoroscopy. This Guideline has been updated to incorporate these topics and to reflect new information on occupational protection in interventional radiology. Methods: The CIRSE Standards of Practice Committee, in conjunction with SIR, established a writing panel of twelve clinicians, medical physics experts, and others with internationally recognised expertise in occupational protection in interventional radiology. The writing panel identified regulations, guidelines, and radiation protection documents from international and national sources, including governments, radiation protection organizations, and professional associations. Additionally, the writing panel performed a pragmatic search on PubMed for relevant studies published in English between 2011 and 2025. The final recommendations were developed by consensus. Results: The revised Guideline provides advice and guidance to physicians, radiographers, nurses, medical physics experts, and all other staff involved in interventional radiology. It also includes an online-only Annex with additional, in-depth coverage of several of the included topics.