Radiation Exposure of Medical Staff and Radiation Protection Measures

Abstract

Several investigations in nuclear medicine departments have shown that the staff members are often not aware of the high risk of radiation exposure to the skin on the hands. This fact is mainly due to the beta radiation of the nuclides used for radiosynoviorthesis (RSO). Inappropriate or slack use of protective devices or bad practice may lead to high skin doses. In this chapter, basic radiation protection principles and methods are considered in order to reduce the occupational exposure, especially to beta radiation during RSO. Proper shielding of the active liquids and distance keeping are the most effective precautionary measures. Based on the physical and radiological characteristics of the RSO nuclides, which can cause high dose rates near vessels with radioactive solutions, the necessity of the use of appropriate shields for beta radiation and for the improvement of daily practice is demonstrated. Examples of well-proven appliances and tools are shown. Moreover, the challenges of skin dose monitoring with authorised partial-body dosimeters are discussed, and recommendations for the optimal wearing position of a ring dosimeter are given. In most cases, this is the first phalanx of the index finger of the nondominant hand with the detector-directed palmar. It is emphasised that, even in this optimal case, the real maximum skin dose is underestimated, on average by a factor of 6. Finally, the importance of accurate contamination monitoring as an essential radiation protection measure is emphasised.