A MOBILE head CT system with integrated shielding can reduce occupational radiation exposure by up to 99% in neurointensive care, according to new findings.
The study assessed exposure levels in a neurointensive care unit (NICU), suggesting that, with appropriate precautions, radiation doses to clinicians and nurses may remain extremely low during routine use.
Why CT Safety Matters in NICU Care
Mobile head CT scanners are increasingly used in NICUs to provide rapid bedside brain imaging for critically ill patients, avoiding the risks associated with transporting unstable individuals. However, concerns about cumulative radiation exposure for healthcare staff have persisted.
CT relies on ionising radiation, which in repeated or high doses may increase long-term health risks. In intensive care settings, where imaging may be frequent, even low-level occupational exposure is closely monitored. This makes radiation shielding and safe workflow practices central to staff protection.
Shielding Delivers Substantial Exposure Reduction
The evaluated system, equipped with a foldable 0.5 mm lead curtain at the gantry front and a detachable 1 mm lead shield at the rear, demonstrated a 91-99% reduction in radiation dose. Over a three-month observation period, ambient radiation and eye lens exposure remained below the minimum detectable limits of the dosimeters used.
Personal dosimetry across 31 adult patient examinations showed very low exposure levels. The radiology nurse operating the scanner recorded a mean effective dose of 0.07 µSv (±0.03), while the attending clinician recorded 0.03 µSv (±0.02). These values indicate minimal scatter radiation reaching staff during standard procedures.
Practical Workflow and Training Remain Key
The findings highlight the importance of positioning and adherence to safety protocols. Staff who remained behind the operator console benefited most from the shielding design, suggesting that workflow optimisation is as important as hardware in limiting exposure.
Implications for Clinical Practice
The results suggest that mobile head CT systems with integrated shielding may reduce the need for additional personal protective equipment in certain scenarios, provided staff are appropriately trained in radiation safety. This could streamline workflows in busy NICUs, particularly in high-throughput or space-constrained NICUs while maintaining safety standards.
However, the study was limited to a single NICU and three-month observation period, therefore broader evaluations may be needed to confirm generalisability. Even so, the data offer practical guidance for implementing mobile imaging technologies while minimising occupational risk.
Reference
Hillergren P et al. Mobile Head CT with Integrated Radiation Shielding Reduces the Need for Additional Personal Protective Equipment. Br J Radiol. 2026;DOI:10.1093/bjr/tqag079
Featured image: Tyler Olson on Adobe stock
