Survey of nuclear medicine practice in Guangdong in 2016

Abstract

Objective To survey the basic situation of diagnosis and treatment in clinical nuclear medicine across Guangdong province, evaluate the risks of exposure to the radiation workers and public and explore the countermeasures to control radiation exposre. Methods A survey team was set up to survey, by filling questionnaires, the basic information on nuclear medicine practices for workers, equipment, radionuclide, frequency and dose to workers and radiation protection measures. Results A total of 71 nuclear medicine institutions was involved in the survey with 733 radiation workers in 2016 in Guangdong. The average annual effective dose to nuclear medicine workers was (0.55±0.66) mSv per year. The total pieces of nuclear medical equipment was up to 189 in 2016 including 59 SPECT/CT scanners (5 SPECT), 28 PET/CT scanners and 54 thyroid scanners. Total activity of 1.15×108 MBq in radiopharmaceuticals was used in 325 903 examinations and treatments with the number of frequency of 2.97 examinations per 1 000 population. Concluions There have been a rapid progress in practice of nuclear medicine over the past 20 years in Guangdong province with departments of nuclear medicine set up in 18 of 21 cities. Compared with 1998, the activity in radiopharmaceuticals used has increased by 414% in 2016 and the number of frequency of examination and treatment has increased by 111%. The rapid expansion of nuclear medicine practice has also caused potential risks of radiation to the public and environment. Key words: Nuclear medicine; Ionizing radiation; Unsealed source; Radionuclide; Survey