181982937-Clark-s-Pocket-Handbook-For-Radiographers-pdf (1)

Pregnancy
Ask patient ‘Are you or might you be pregnant?’
Answer: Yes Answer: Unsure † Answer: No, not pregnant
For low-dose
procedures, e.g.
plain radiography
of abdomen, spine
or extremities
For high-dose
procedures, e.g.
CT of abdomen or
pelvis, barium
enema
Record LMP.
Proceed with
examination
providing LMP
was within
previous 28 days*
Patient has
missed a
period/their
period overdue,
i.e. more than 28
days ago*
Patient has not
missed a period,
i.e. period less
than 28 days*
ago
Re-book
examination
within first 10
days of onset of
menstrual cycle
Record LMP. Proceed with
examination providing LMP
was within previous 28 days*
Review justification
for examination
with referring
clinician †
If overriding
clinical reasons for
examination exist,
then proceed using
dose reduction
strategies
If patient
subsequently is
found to be
pregnant then
review justification
for procedure with
referring clinician
A typical ‘pregnancy rule’ for women of child-bearing age. *Some
women have menstrual cycles of more or less than 28 days or have
irregular cycles. CT, computed tomography; LMP, last menstrual period.
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