About ORSIF
Protecting healthcare workers from the dual hazards of the fluoroscopy lab
Our Mission
ORSIF — the Occupational Radiation Safety in Interventional Fluoroscopy Foundation — exists to protect healthcare workers from the dual hazards they face every day in fluoroscopy laboratories: ionizing radiation exposure and musculoskeletal injuries from heavy protective equipment. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we provide free, evidence-based education, advocacy, and resources to ensure that every healthcare professional can finish their career healthy.
The Problem
Healthcare workers in fluoroscopy labs face two simultaneous threats that compound over a career.
Radiation Exposure
Interventional cardiologists and other fluoroscopy professionals receive up to 10× more radiation than diagnostic radiologists. With 24 million fluoroscopy procedures performed annually in the US alone, cumulative exposure leads to a 6.1% lifetime cancer incidence — three times the rate of the general population. 85% of brain tumors in affected operators occur on the left side, consistent with radiation exposure patterns. Meanwhile, US dose limits remain 7.5× less protective than international standards recommended by the ICRP.
Musculoskeletal Injuries
Traditional lead aprons and thyroid shields weigh 15–25 pounds. Wearing them for hours daily during procedures causes chronic back pain, cervical disc disease, and career-ending orthopedic injuries. The SCAI 2023 Survey found that 59.8% of healthcare workers report orthopedic injuries — up from 49.4% in 2014 — and 20% have been forced to limit their time in the cath lab as a result.
Our Position
ORSIF advocates for systemic change to protect the healthcare workforce.
US Radiation Limits Must Align with International Standards
The US eye lens dose limit is 150 mSv/year — 7.5× higher than the ICRP recommendation of 20 mSv/year. OSHA's ionizing radiation standards haven't been updated in over 50 years. ORSIF advocates for adopting the stricter international standards to protect American workers.
Workers Must Have Access to Modern Protection Alternatives
Lightweight, non-lead protection systems and radiation-reducing technologies exist today. Every worker should have access to equipment that doesn't trade one occupational hazard for another.
Facilities Must Invest in Enhanced Protection Systems
Ceiling-suspended shields, robotic-assisted systems, flexible barrier systems, disposable radiation-attenuation shielding, lighter protective garments, and other advanced dose-reduction technologies can dramatically reduce both radiation exposure and ergonomic burden. Facilities have a responsibility to invest in these systems.
Data and Transparency Drive Accountability
Real-time dosimetry, comprehensive exposure tracking, and transparent reporting are essential. Workers deserve to know their cumulative exposure and institutions must be accountable for protection standards.
No Worker Should Face Preventable Cancer or Injury
With 41% of interventional cardiologists considering quitting and a projected shortage of 8,650 cardiologists by 2037, protecting the workforce isn't just ethical — it's essential for patient care.
By the Numbers
24M+
Fluoroscopy Procedures Annually
IAEA, 2023
6.1%
Cancer Incidence
SCAI 2023 Survey
85%
Left-Brain Tumor Predominance
Goldstein et al., EuroIntervention
59.8%
Orthopedic Injuries
SCAI 2023 Survey
Resources
Free, evidence-based tools and resources for radiation safety professionals.
176 FAQs
Comprehensive radiation safety Q&A
US Guidelines
State and federal radiation regulations
International Guidelines
Global radiation protection standards
Admin Toolkit
Safety checklists and assessment tools
Economic Impact
$88.7M annual economic impact analysis
Research Articles
621+ peer-reviewed articles
Partners & Supporters
Corporate Sponsors
ORSIF's mission would not be possible without the generous support of our corporate sponsors.
ACIST Medical
Contrast delivery and hemodynamic systems that streamline imaging and reduce repeat runs in the cardiovascular lab.
AngioSystems
Radiation protection shields and lab accessories that lower scatter exposure for interventional teams.
Centerline Biomedical
Image-guided navigation technology that cuts reliance on fluoroscopy and contrast during endovascular procedures.
Egg Medical
Disposable, comprehensive scatter-radiation protection systems for the interventional suite.
Imricor
MRI-compatible devices that enable radiation-free, real-time MR-guided cardiac ablation.
RADPAD
Sterile disposable radiation shields that reduce scatter dose to physicians and staff at the table.
RAMPART IC
Mobile, adjustable radiation shielding that lets operators work lead-free in the interventional lab.
RCS
Radiation safety service, testing, and program support for imaging and interventional facilities.
TEXRAY
Lightweight radiation protective garments engineered to ease the orthopedic burden of wearing lead.
Zero-Gravity
A suspended radiation protection system that lifts the weight of lead off the operator's body.
Aligned Organizations
ORSIF proudly recognizes the organizations advancing the shared mission of safer, healthier environments for those who deliver fluoroscopy-guided care.
AAPM·American Association of Physicists in Medicine
The professional society of medical physicists, advancing the safe and effective use of radiation in medicine.
ACC·American College of Cardiology
The professional home of the cardiovascular care team, setting standards for heart and vascular care worldwide.
ACR·American College of Radiology
The principal society of radiologists, advancing imaging quality, safety, and the practice of radiology.
ARRT·American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
The national credentialing body that certifies and registers radiologic technologists across the United States.
ASRT·American Society of Radiologic Technologists
The professional association for medical imaging and radiation therapy technologists, advancing education and patient safety.
ASSP·American Society of Safety Professionals
The oldest professional safety society, advancing occupational safety, health, and the protection of workers.
HPS·The Health Physics Society
A scientific society dedicated to radiation safety and the protection of people and the environment.
HRS·Heart Rhythm Society
The international leader in science, education, and advocacy for heart rhythm professionals and their patients.
IARP·Indian Association for Radiation Protection
India's professional body promoting radiation protection and safety across medical, industrial, and research practice.
Image Wisely
A joint initiative lowering radiation dose in adult medical imaging and eliminating unnecessary exams.
NCRP·National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements
A congressionally chartered council that develops and disseminates radiation protection guidance in the public interest.
RSNA·Radiological Society of North America
A global radiology society advancing patient care through radiologic education and high-quality research.
SCAI·Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions
The professional society for interventional cardiology, advancing catheter-based care and safety in the cath lab.
SIR·Society of Interventional Radiology
The professional society for interventional radiology, advancing minimally invasive, image-guided treatment and operator safety.
SNIS·Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery
The professional society for neurointerventional surgery, advancing image-guided therapy for stroke and brain and spine disease.
SVS·Society for Vascular Surgery
The professional society for vascular surgeons, advancing the care of patients with vascular disease.
Women As One
A nonprofit advancing equity and creating opportunities for women in medicine, with a focus on cardiology.
Join the Movement
ORSIF membership is free. Join hundreds of healthcare professionals working to make fluoroscopy labs safer.