Occupational radiation protection in diagnostic nuclear imaging

Abstract

Purposes: The aim of the study is to identify the associated radiation risks and radiation protection practices in diagnostic nuclear medicine departments through a literature research, to carry out a risk assessment of a nuclear medicine department and to assess the appropriateness of any implemented standards and practices taking place in the nuclear medicine department where these are compared to the standards published in the literature. Methodology: This risk assessment has been carried out on the basis of a published structured radiation risk assessment template whereas the data collection was done through departmental documents and direct non-participant observation, where the observation checklist was based on published standards found in the literature. Results and Conclusions: The results indicated that a risk assessment should be carried out annually and staff should be trained in order to restrict occupational exposure to ionizing radiation. It is also suggested that once risks are identified an action plan should be set up to minimize these risks. In case of personnel monitoring, it is advisable that the results are communicated to gamma unit staff: in order to have an overview about any patterns or trends in their occupational dose.