J Korean Dysphagia Soc.  2015 Jan;5(1):18-23.

Radiation Exposure & Risk Management for Videofluoroscopic Study

• Han-Young HY
• Kim EJ

Abstract

The videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) is a gold standard tool for assessing swallowing disorders and oropharyngeal aspiration (OPA) in adult & also children. Nowadays, computer tomography (CT), scintigraphy, angiography, and also fluoroscopic radiologic examinations are widely used to diagnose and assess certain pathologic conditions. It means patients and examiners have more exposure chance to radiation, especially to children. Children are more sensitive to radiation-induced problems and are also vulnerable to the mal-adaptation of radiation on development. We have to be concerned about the justification of use of radiation in medicine and also about the radiation protection to patients and examiners. Therefore, for all time use of the ALARA principle (“as low as reasonably achievable”), we reviewed radiation hazard developed by VFSS, other radiologic diagnostic tools and how to protect it.

Keyword

VFSS; radiation hazard; effective dose; protection