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Radiography Program Pregnancy Policy

Radiography Program Purpose

The Radiography program has a policy of educating students about the hazards of radiation and the importance of proper radiation protection methods before their rotations at the clinical affiliates. This action is taken to minimize the radiation exposure of all students and to comply with the ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) concept. The following pregnancy policy has been established in compliance with this concept. Because a fetus is particularly sensitive to radiation, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy, certain information should be given to each female student, and specific policies will be followed in the event of a possible pregnancy.

 

Radiography Program Rationale

Available literature suggests that the harmful effects of radiation on a fetus are possible at all stages of pregnancy but are most severe during the first three months. According to the Centers for Disease Control, concerning fetal exposure: “The health consequences can be severe, even at radiation doses too low to make the mother sick. Such consequences can include stunted growth, deformities, abnormal brain function, or cancer that may develop sometime later in life.”

 

Radiography Program Policy

  1. All students will follow proper radiation safety procedures. The A-B Tech Radiation Protection Guidelines will be reviewed with you during the first semester of the program, and you will sign a statement that they have been read and understood.
  2. A student will be considered a declared pregnant worker (student) after they notify the program director voluntarily in writing. This written declaration requires that the embryo/fetus dose be limited to 0.5 rem during the entire pregnancy. The ordinary annual A-B Tech student dose is well below this limit. A student may also "undeclare" their pregnancy in writing without reason at any time. This will remove the fetal dose limit of 0.5 rem during the pregnancy.
  3. After giving a written declaration of pregnancy, the student will be informed of the above rationale and potential for harm to the fetus. The student will also be given a copy of NRC Regulatory Guide 8.13-"Instruction Concerning Prenatal Radiation Exposure" to read and discuss with the department chairperson. The student will then be given the option of leaving the program and re-entering the following year (if space is available, per our accreditation regulations) or remaining in the program and strictly adhering to the following guidelines:
    1. The pregnant student must faithfully wear an additional radiation monitor at waist level to monitor fetal radiation dose. This monitor will be provided by the program at no cost to the student.
    2. In accordance with the NCRP Report #116, during the entire gestational period, the effective dose equivalent to the fetus from occupational exposure of the expectant mother should not exceed 0.05 rem a month. Federal regulations also state that the dose to an embryo/fetus should not exceed 0.5 rem for the entire pregnancy. A pregnant student who reaches or exceeds this limit must be completely withdrawn from clinical rotations and will be required to make up the missed time after delivery. Pregnant students are expected to actively participate in all program classes, clinical rotations, and activities up until the day of delivery in accordance with current program attendance policies. The student will participate in regular clinical assignments/rotations, including fluoro and portables, since the normal exposure level does not exceed 0.5 rem per year. The student will not be able to attend the clinic if physical restrictions prevent her from performing routine clinical duties such as lifting, wearing lead aprons, etc.
    3. The student is expected to return to classes as soon as she is physically able. A written doctor's note must be submitted for absences extending beyond two weeks. The student is responsible for all class work covered during her absence and for obtaining necessary material and assignments from instructors or classmates.
    4. The student is expected to return to clinical rotations as soon as they are physically able. The time should not exceed six (6) weeks post-partum, unless advised otherwise by a physician. A student must submit a written statement of release from a physician to perform clinical duties before returning to scheduled rotations.
    5. No student will be allowed to graduate until all required clinical competencies are complete. Missed clinical time must be made up according to a schedule created by the program faculty.
  4. Neither the College, its personnel, the clinical affiliates, nor staff will be held responsible for any injury to student or child due to radiation exposure, nor will continuing with the program be required if the student decides to remain in the program during pregnancy.