2310 KIDNEY DONOR RADIATION EXPOSURE PRIOR TO TRANSPLANTATION

Purpose of Study: During the evaluation of kidney donors, patients may receive substantial radiation exposure. Donors represent a high-risk population due to their excellent health and relatively young age. It is important that physicians fully understand all implications of each of the donor imaging studies including the potential radiation exposure. The purpose of this study is to characterize radiation exposure received by living donors during evaluation. Methods Used: A retrospective, single-center review of 363 donor nephrectomy patients evaluated over a 12-year period was performed. By protocol each donor received a chest x-ray, nuclear GFR, renal scan, and a 3-phase CT of the abdomen. CTeffective dose was estimated by multiplying the dose length product by standard conversion factors. Effective dose for renograms, mammograms, and chest x-rays were estimated using published values. Effective dose was compared during study intervals using Microsoft Excel® with p < 0.05 considered significant. Summary of Results: Of 363 donors, complete yearly data including dose length product was available in 166 patients. Mean total effective dose was 29.7 mSv, with 83.6% of exposure resulting from the CT imaging. 20.5% of donors received ≥ 40 mSv, the estimated average radiation exposure of the atomic-bomb survivors in Japan. Furthermore, 6.6% received ≥ 50 mSv, which is the maximal occupational radiation exposure allowed annually. Radiation exposure from CT imaging decreased by 42.9% (p = < 0.01) during the study period likely reflecting an increased awareness of radiation risks. Conclusions: Renal donors are exposed to significant ionizing radiation. Knowledge of the radiation exposure received by donors may allow transplant centers to more accurately counsel donors regarding risk and stratify imaging protocols to maximize patient safety.