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The Radiation Reduction During Cardiac Catheterization Using Real-Time Monitoring study sought to examine the effect of a radiation detection device that provides real-time operator dose reporting through auditory feedback (Bleeper Sv; Vertec Scientific Ltd; Berkshire, UK) on patient dose and operator exposure during cardiac catheterization.Between January 2012 and May 2014, 505 patients undergoing coronary angiography, percutaneous coronary intervention, or both were randomized to use (n=253) or no use (n=252) of the Bleeper Sv radiation monitor. Operator radiation exposure was measured in both groups using a second, silent radiation exposure monitoring device. Mean patient age was 65±8 years, most patients (99%) were men, and 30% had prior coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Baseline clinical characteristics were similar in the 2 study groups. Radial access was used in 18% and chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention constituted 7% of the total procedures. Median procedure time was 17 (12-27) minutes for diagnostic angiography, 42 (28-70) minutes for percutaneous coronary intervention, and 27 (14-51) minutes in the overall study population, with similar distribution between the study groups. First (9 [4-17] versus 14 [7-25] μSv; P<0.001) and second (5 [2-10] versus 7 [4-14] μSv; P<0.001) operator radiation exposure was significantly lower in the Bleeper Sv group. Use of the device did not result in a significant reduction in patient radiation dose. The effect of the Bleeper Sv device on operator radiation exposure was consistent among various study subgroups.Use of a real-time radiation monitoring device that provides auditory feedback can significantly reduce operator radiation exposure during cardiac catheterization.URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01510353. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the health risks associated with use of ionizing radiation such as X-rays for medical diagnosis and treatment purposes. It mentions the risk of tissue injury, cataract injury and genetic alteration along with potential cancer risk for patients, staff and operators. It also states the need for radiation awareness integrating radiation safety into the laboratory quality program.