Staff Exposure Research Articles

Hidden in Plain Sight - Staff Exposure to Suicide and Responses to a New, Systemic Model of Workplace Postvention.

Background: Exposure to suicide is associated with a range of psychosocial harms which Australian employers have a legislated responsibility to mitigate. Aims: Examine the impact of suicide on staff, current workplace responses and the efficacy of a new, systemic model of workplace postvention. Method: Interviews and focus groups with 54 staff in 22 workplaces from the commercial, government, and not-for-profit sectors. Results: Every participant had experienced the suicide of a client or colleague and reported a range of short- and long-term negative impacts, including suicidal ideation. This contrasted with the overall lack of workplace postvention, which increased the risks of psychosocial harms to staff. The new model was effective in tailoring a systemic approach to workplace postvention. Limitations: The small size of the sample limits generalizability; however, the prevalence of exposure to suicide and lack of workplace preparedness were strikingly consistent. Conclusion: The impact of suicide on staff is significant and current workplace responses are ineffective and potentially harmful. The new model improves staff and workplace preparedness through tailored and co-designed training, governance and supports.

An Audit on the Safety and Efficiency of Irrigation Fluid Disposal in Urology: Time to Implement Closed Waste Management Systems?

Efficient and safe disposal of irrigation fluid is critical in urological procedures due to high fluid volumes and exposure risks. This audit examines disposal practices using bucket and suction canister systems in a high-volume urology department in the UK and compares the findings with the potential implementation of an automated irrigation waste management system such as the Neptune® 3 (Stryker Corporation,Kalamazoo, Michigan). A retrospective audit of 224 procedures at Cheltenham General Hospital evaluated fluid disposal impacts on staff safety, operating room efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. We found that procedures using high volumes of irrigants, such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), are associated with increased risks, including fluid spills, staff exposure to biohazards, and significant use of single-use plastics, resulting in elevated operational costs and frequent procedural interruptions. The Neptune® system proposes significant advantages, such as reducing fluid handling time, staff exposure, and plastic waste. Cost analysis suggests that initial investments in Neptune® would be offset by reduced consumable usage and increased efficiency. These findings support the implementation of closed fluid management systems to improve safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability in endoscopic urology.

How much do 68Ga-, 177Lu- and 131I-based radiopharmaceuticals contribute to the global radiation exposure of nuclear medicine staff?

BackgroundThe radiation exposure of nuclear medicine personnel, especially concerning extremity doses, has been a significant focus over the past two decades. This study addresses the evolving practice of NM, particularly with the rise of radionuclide therapy and theranostic procedures, which involve a variety of radionuclides such as 68Ga, 177Lu, and 131I. Traditional studies have concentrated on common radioisotopes like 99mTc, 18F, and 90Y, but there is limited data on these radionuclides, which are more and more frequently used. This study, part of the European SINFONIA project, aims to fill this gap by providing new dosimetry data through a multicenter approach. The research monitors extremity doses to hands, eye lens doses, and whole-body doses in nuclear medicine staff handling 68Ga, 177Lu, and 131I. It examines the type of activities performed and the protective measures used. The study extrapolates measured doses to annual doses, comparing them with annual dose limits, and assesses the contribution of these specific procedures to the overall occupational dose of nuclear medicine personnel.ResultsMeasurements were conducted from November 2020 to August 2023 across nine hospitals. The highest whole-body, eye lens and extremity doses were observed for 68Ga. Average maximum extremity doses, normalized per manipulated activity, were found of 6200 µSv/GBq, 30 µSv/GBq and 260 µSV/GBq for 68Ga, 177Lu and 131I, respectively. Average whole-body doses stayed below 60 µSv/GBq for all 3 isotopes and below 200 µSv/GBq for the eye lens dose. The variation in doses also depends on the task performed. For 68Ga there is a risk of reaching the annual dose limit for skin dose during synthesis and dispensing.ConclusionsThis study’s measurement campaigns across various European countries have provided new and extensive occupational dosimetry data for nuclear medicine staff handling 68Ga, 177Lu and 131I radiopharmaceuticals. The results indicate that 68Ga contributes significantly to the global occupational dose, despite its relatively low usage compared to other isotopes. Staff working in radiopharmacy hot labs, labeling and dispensing 177Lu contribute less to the finger dose compared to other isotopes.

Assessing radiation doses and proposing DRLs for nuclear medicine procedures for pediatric and adult patients in Madinah, Saudi Arabia

BackgroundNuclear medicine diagnostic and treatment procedures represent significant sources of ionizing radiation exposure for both staff and patients. Consequently, assessing and optimizing radiation doses are crucial to minimize potential side effects. AimThis study seeks to evaluate the effective radiation doses associated with common diagnostic and treatment procedures, as well as propose diagnostic reference levels (DRLs), within two nuclear medicine centers in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. MethodologyData from 445 patients were gathered from two nuclear medicine centers in the Madinah region of Saudi Arabia. The data were categorized based on the type of nuclear medicine (NM) procedure, the chemical composition of the administered radiopharmaceutical, as well as patient age and weight. Effective radiation doses for prevalent NM procedures were computed, and suggested DRLs were formulated. ResultsEffective radiation doses were analyzed for 16 adult and 2 pediatric NM procedures (divided into 8 groups). The effective radiation doses for adult diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures range from 0.05 mSv (Nanocoloid) to 29 mSv (67Ga-citrate). For pediatric procedures, the doses range from 0.80 mSv (5-year-old undergoing renal DTPA) to 1.6 mSv (1-year-old undergoing renal DMSA). Furthermore, DRL values were determined for both adult and pediatric NM procedures. The study's findings demonstrated a high degree of concordance between effective radiation doses and DRL values, aligning well with previously published research. ConclusionWhile the effective radiation doses outlined in this study were generally within acceptable limits and consistent with prior research findings, optimizing radiation doses remains imperative, particularly for pediatric NM procedures.

Investigation of Radiation Exposure of Medical Staff During Lateral Fluoroscopy for Posterior Spinal Fusion Surgery.

Background/Objectives: In spinal surgery, it is especially crucial to insert implants in the correct location. Intraoperative fluoroscopy is often necessary to safely perform spinal surgery because of serious complications that can occur if the screw deviates. However, the use of intraoperative fluoroscopy comes at the cost of radiation exposure to the surgeons and operating room staff. Therefore, it is desirable for spinal surgeons to understand the characteristics of radiation in order to minimize patient and medical staff exposure. This study aimed to create an aerial radiation dose distribution map for lateral fluoroscopy, a commonly used technique for posterior spinal fusion. Methods: A human body-equivalent phantom was placed in a prone position on the Jackson Table. The measurement method used was a lateral fluoroscopic evaluation, assuming posterior spinal fusion. Measurements were taken at three levels: 80 (gonadal), 100 (thoracoabdominal), and 150 cm (lens and thyroid). Results: The highest radiation doses were received by primary surgeons. The scrub nurse was the next most exposed. Conclusions: We developed an aerial dose distribution map for lateral fluoroscopy in posterior spinal fusion. Radiation exposure was the highest among primary surgeons.

8675 Dosing of Radioactive Iodine for Papillary Thyroid Cancer in Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease

Abstract Disclosure: C. Cheatham: None. D. Beckman: None. INTRO Radioactive Iodine (RAI) ablation is an important treatment for patients diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma. Most studies completed on RAI in renal dysfunction were focused on End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) patients on dialysis to establish protocols on timing of dialysis to allow desired clinical response to RAI without increased risks and minimizing exposure of dialysis staff to radiation dose. The ideal RAI dosing and monitoring of patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 4 or 5 not requiring dialysis has not been systematically reviewed. CASE 26 year-old female with CKD stage 4/5 secondary to chronic hydronephrosis from vesicoureteral reflux with baseline eGFR 15-20 mL/min/1.73 m2 was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer. She underwent total thyroidectomy with central and left lateral neck dissection, resulting in pathologic stage I, pT2 N1b M0 disease, high risk for recurrence according to the 2015 American Thyroid Association guidelines due to 17 positive lymph nodes from left level II-IV and VI, multiple with extranodal extension, as well as 1 vessel angioinvasion. She was referred for adjuvant RAI ablation after withdrawal from thyroid hormone. Decision was made to proceed with a 50% dose reduction and close monitoring of radioactivity clearance as an inpatient given decrease of eGFR to 10-12 mL/min/1.73 m2. She was cleared for discharge 4 days after RAI dose of 74.8mCi when activity level dropped to <2mR/hr. Post-ablation whole body scan showed activity in the thyroid bed and parasternal notch without evidence of metastatic disease. Post-treatment non-stimulated thyroglobulin 6 weeks later was 0.4 ng/mL down from 269.7 ng/mL. DISCUSSION Given RAI is predominately renally cleared, decreased renal function affects clearance rates and associated exposure to radiation. Risks with decreased RAI clearance include bone marrow toxicity and prolonged isolation requirements. In a 2017 retrospective review, patients with eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 had delayed clearance leading to a mean proportional reduction of exposure rate at 48 hours of -67.2% compared to -94.3% in healthy controls. While protocols exist for patients on hemodialysis, no such protocols have been established for patients with advanced CKD not requiring dialysis. For this patient, after multidisciplinary discussion with nuclear medicine, health physics, and nephrology in setting of further eGFR reduction during hormone withdrawal, decision was made to reduce the intended dose by 50% with inpatient monitoring and backup to dialyze if no significant decrease in radiation activity level was seen or if she were to progress to anuric or oliguric renal failure. This case highlights the need for established protocols and long-term studies to evaluate risk and treatment response in relation to dosing of RAI in this population, but a 50% dose reduction appears to be effective without adverse event. Presentation: 6/2/2024

Acceptance and feasibility of an augmented reality-based navigation system with optical tracking for percutaneous procedures in interventional radiology - a simulation-based phantom study.

Augmented reality (AR) projects additional information into the user's field of view during interventions. The aim was to evaluate the acceptance and clinical feasibility of an AR system and to compare users with different levels of experience. A system was examined that projects a CT-generated 3D model of a phantom into the field of view using a HoloLens 2, whereby the tracked needle is displayed and navigated live. A projected ultrasound image is used for live control of the needle positioning. This should minimize radiation exposure and improve orientation.The acceptance and usability of the AR navigation system was evaluated by 10 physicians and medical students with different levels of experience by performing punctures with the system in a phantom. The required time was then compared and a questionnaire was completed to assess clinical acceptance and feasibility. For statistical analysis, frequencies for qualitative characteristics, location and dispersion measures for quantitative characteristics and Spearman rank correlations for correlations were calculated.9 out of 10 subjects hit all 5 target regions in the first attempt, taking an average of 29:39 minutes for all punctures. There was a significant correlation between previous experience in interventional radiology, years in the profession, and the time required. Overall, the time varied from an average of 43:00 min. for medical students to 15:00 min. for chief physicians. All test subjects showed high acceptance of the system and rated especially the potential clinical feasibility, the simplification of the puncture, and the image quality positively. However, the majority require further training for sufficient safety in use.The system offers distinct advantages for navigation and orientation, facilitates percutaneous interventions during training and enables professionally experienced physicians to achieve short intervention times. In addition, the system improves ergonomics during the procedure by making important information always directly available in the field of view and has the potential to reduce the radiation exposure of staff in particular by combining AR and sonography and thus shortening CT-fluoroscopy times. · AR navigation offers advantages for orientation during percutaneous radiological interventions.. · The subjects would like to use the AR system in everyday clinical practice on patients.. · AR improves ergonomics by making important information directly available in the field of view.. · The combination of AR and sonography can significantly reduce radiation exposure for staff.. · Rohmer K, Becker M, Georgiades M et al. Acceptance and feasibility of an augmented reality-based navigation system with optical tracking for percutaneous procedures in interventional radiology - a simulation-based phantom study. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2024; DOI 10.1055/a-2416-1080.

Assessment of occupational radiation exposure during a specific endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedure.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the occupational radiation exposure of staff during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), with a focus on individuals closest to the radiation source, and to identify potential increases in exposure to hands and eye lenses. Patient radiation exposure during ERCP was also assessed. Staff organ doses were monitored using a Philips Allura Xper FD 20 fluoroscopy system, during 24 ERCP procedures for a period of 7months. Staff doses were measured using thermoluminescence dosemeters and electronic personal dosemeters, and patient effective doses were simulated and calculated. Physicians' annual organ doses ranged from 0.2 to 1.6mSv for shoulders, 0.1 to 0.4mSv for eye lenses, and 0.3 to 1.6mSv for fingers. The annual organ dose of the nursing staff ranged from 0.08 to 2.4mSv for shoulders, 0.02 to 2.3mSv for eye lenses, and 1.2 to 5.3mSv for fingers. The effective dose to patients ranged from 0.009 to 0.46mSv. Staff doses were within safe limits, but patient doses were high, emphasizing the need for improved radiation protection.

"Why should care workers be any different from prison workers?" A qualitative study of second-hand smoke exposure during home-care visits and potential measures to eliminate exposure.

Despite world-leading measures in place to protect employees from second-hand smoke exposure in workplaces in the United Kingdom, workers who deliver health and social care in private homes remain unprotected legally in this setting from second-hand smoke exposure (SHS). Fourteen individuals took part in either an in-depth telephone interview (n = 11) or an online focus group discussion (n = 3), including home-care workers (n = 5) and managers (n = 5) based in Lanarkshire (Scotland) and local/national policy makers (n = 4). Participants were asked about the extent to which exposure to SHS is an issue during home visits and possible additional measures that could be put in place to eliminate exposure. Participants highlighted the difficulties in balancing the provision of care in a person's own home with the right of workers to be able to breathe clean air and be protected from SHS. Current strategies to reduce staff exposure to SHS during home visits were often reported as inadequate with SHS not a hazard considered by managers beyond protecting pregnant staff or those with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma. Simple respiratory protective equipment (as used during the COVID-19 pandemic) was rightly identified as being ineffective. Methods such as nicotine replacement therapy and e-cigarettes were identified as potential ways to help people who smoke achieve temporary asbstinence prior to a home visit. Implementing appropriate and proportionate measures to protect home-care workers from the harms posed by SHS should be a priority to help protect the health of this often overlooked occupational group.

Radiation Dose during Digital Subtraction Angiography of the Brain-The Influence of Examination Parameters and Patient Factors on the Dose.

Cerebral vascular angiography, or digital subtraction angiography (DSA), is essential for diagnosing neurological conditions but poses radiation risks. This study aims to analyze the impact of examination parameters and patient characteristics on the radiation dose received during DSA to optimize safety and minimize exposure. A retrospective analysis of 251 DSA procedures using the GE Innova IGS 630 dual-plane instrument was conducted. Data on dose area product (DAP) and air kerma (KERMA), along with patient and examination details, were collected. Statistical analyses, including Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman rank correlation tests, assessed the relationships between variables and radiation dose outcomes. Significant correlations were found between the sides examined (left, right, or both) and DAP (p < 0.0001) and KERMA (p < 0.0001) values, with bilateral studies showing the highest values. The post hoc Dunn tests showed that the 'L + P' group significantly differs from both the right group (p < 0.0001 and the left group (p < 0.0001). There is no significant difference between the 'P' group and the 'L' group (p-value = 0.53). These results suggest that the right and left (both) group have unique KERMA mGy values compared to the other two groups. A strong correlation (rS = 0.87) existed between DAP and KERMA. The number of projections significantly impacted radiation dose (rS = 0.61). Tube parameters (kV and mA) and skull size had low correlations with DAP and KERMA. Optimizing imaging protocols and individualizing parameters can significantly enhance patient safety and diagnostic efficacy while also reducing occupational exposure for medical staff.

Real-time gamma-ray energy spectrum / dose monitor with k-α method based on sequential bayesian estimation

Medical applications of radiation have been widely spread until now. However, the exposure of medical staff is sometimes overlooked, because treatment of patients is the first priority. The purpose of this study is to develop a small and light monitor that can measure the energy spectrum and dose of gamma-rays at the same time in real-time for medical applications. Using the monitor, the medical staff could be guided to be more aware ofthe risk of radiation, and finally the exposure to them could be substantially suppressed. So far, a CsI scintillator has been chosen as a detection device of gamma-rays and combined with a Multi-Pixel Photon Counter (MPPC) to develop a prototype monitor. Then we confirmed its basic performance with standard gamma-ray sources. To achieve the real-time measurement, α method (sequential Bayesian estimation) was adopted and improved to propose a new unfolding process, named k-α method, with which the convergence speed could really be accelerated to realize real-time measurement. Also, gamma-ray measurements with a mixed source of 133Ba, 137Cs and 60Co were carried out to confirm the validity of the present monitor. As a result, it was found that gamma-ray energy spectrum could be estimated successfully in several-tens seconds in the field of around 6 μSv/h. For the dose estimation, the correct values could be estimated just after starting measurement.

Monitoring of surgical staff x-ray exposure in the operating room with DosiBadge

Surgical procedures involving the use of x-rays in the operating room (OR) have increased in recent years, thereby increasing the exposure of OR staff to ionizing radiation. An individual dosimeter makes it possible to record the radiation exposure to which these personnel are exposed, but there is a lack of compliance in the wearing of these dosimeters for several practical reasons. This makes the dose results obtained unreliable. To try to improve the rate of dosimeter wearing in the OR, the Dosibadge project studied the association of the individual dosimeter with the hospital access badge, forming the Dosibadge. Through a study performed at the Tours University Hospital in eight different ORs for two consecutive periods of 3 months. The results show a significant increase in the systematic use of the dosimeter thanks to the Dosibadge, which improves the reliability of the doses obtained on the dosimeters and the monitoring of personnel. The increase is especially marked with clinicians. Following these results and the very positive feedback to this first single-centre study, we are then planning a second multicentre study to validate our proof of concept on different sites, with the three brands of individual dosimeters used in France i.e. dosimeters supplied by Dosilab; Landauer and IRSN.

Aerosol generation during pediatric otolaryngological procedures

ObjectivesTo assess the extent of staff exposure to aerosol generation in common pediatric otorhinolaryngological procedures (tonsillotomies, adenoidectomies, and tympanostomies) and determine the surgical phases responsible for most aerosol generation in these procedures. MethodsAerosol generation was measured during 35 pediatric otolaryngological procedures using an Optical Particle Sizer that measures aerosol concentrations for particle sizes between 0.3 and 10.0 μm. The different phases of and instruments used in each procedure were logged. Operating room background aerosol levels and coughing were used as references. ResultsTotal aerosol concentrations were significantly higher during tonsillotomies and adenoidectomies when compared to tympanostomies (p = 0.011 and p = 0.042) and to empty room background aerosol concentrations (p = 0.0057 and p < 0.001). Aerosol concentration during tonsillotomies did not differ from coughing, which is considered as standard for high-risk aerosol procedures. During tympanostomies, aerosol concentrations were even lower than during perioperative concentrations. No statistically significant difference in aerosol generation comparing suction, electrocautery, cold instruments, and paracentesis was found. ConclusionAccording to the results of this study, tympanostomies are low-risk aerosol-generating procedures. On the other hand, pediatric tonsillotomies produced aerosols comparable to coughing, pointing to them being significantly aerosol-producing procedures and viral transmission is theoretically possible intraoperatively.

Ensuring radiation safety: Evaluating dose and compliance among medical staff at King Faisal Medical Complex, Saudi Arabia

BackgroundRadiation is an integral part of routine medical practice, but it carries a risk to the health of medical staff. Hence, it should be assessed periodically. The study's goal was to quantify the levels of radiation exposure for medical staff at King Faisal Medical Complex (KFMC), Taif City Saudi Arabia, and to assess their radiation protective procedures in practice. MethodsThe study looked at the thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLDs) records of 50 medical professionals who were exposed to radiation while working at KFMC from 2019 to 2020 in Taif city, Saudi Arabia. In Riyadh, radiation exposure is read from skin TLDs using Harshaw model 6600 plus detectors. The Excel software was utilized to process the obtained data for calculating effective doses. A questionnaire was also distributed to the medical staff to assess their radiation protection procedures. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) program version 23 was used to analyze the obtained data. ResultsThe mean annual effective doses of the medical staff in 2019 and 2020 were determined to be 1.14 mSv and 1.4645 mSv, respectively, with no significant difference in effective doses between males and females in either year. The socio-demographic features of the medical personnel were examined, and the findings revealed that the majority of participants were male radiological technologists. The rate of adherence to radiation protection techniques was 68%, with a normally distributed dispersal. The amount of adherence varied significantly depending on nationality, occupation, and academic qualification. ConclusionAccording to the research, the mean annual effective dosage for medical professionals at KFMC was significantly below the recommended level, indicating satisfactory compliance with the ALARA radiation safety concept.

Investigating the air quality surrounding new schools in England: polluted playgrounds and school buildings are a source of avoidable harm

ObjectiveTo assess levels of pollutants at the sites of new schools and whether pupils are likely to be protected from associated risks.SettingAir pollution causes damage to children’s health by increasing...

Mobile vs Fixed Fluoroscopy System for EVAR Image Quality and Radiation Doses for Patients and Professionnals: Mobile C-Arm vs Hybrid Room for EVAR

Abstract Background Allowing less invasive treatments, endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) has become the gold standard worldwide for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms, leading to questions regarding staff and patients’ exposure to radiation. Widely performed in our center, EVAR was initially carried out on mobile C-arm (Cios-alpha, Siemens). Since 2022, EVAR was then performed in a hybrid room (Artis-Pheno, Siemens). Aims The aim of this study is to compare image quality and patients and professionals’ radiation exposure between both systems. Methods Image quality has been tested for fluoroscopy and fluorography mode on the moving system, with PMMA plates and copper disc. A Radcal ionization chamber was used to measure patient skin dose. Dosimetric and clinical parameters (e.i. Kerma, fluoroscopy time, BMI…) were recorded for 79 and 43 patients, respectively, on mobile C-arm and hybrid room. Staff exposure was measured with thermoluminescent detectors, on an anthropomorphic phantom, representative of the physician. Scattered radiation was created by irradiating PMMA plates. Different radiation protection gears have been tested comparable to daily clinical use. Results We showed that using the fluoroscopy mode, Cios-alpha was more irradiating for similar image quality as compared to the Artis-Pheno. Moreover, using the fluorography mode, Artis-Pheno provided a comparable dose rate but significantly better image quality. When comparing similar patient cohorts (BMI, sex), kerma was twice higher on Artis-Pheno due to fluorography, accounting for 27% of the total dose. In terms of staff exposure, the dose rate decreased by 51% and 99% in fluoroscopy, and 22% and 99% in fluorography when using Artis-Pheno compared to Cios-alpha (respectively, without any and with radiation protection gear). Conclusion Our study highlights the advantage of a fixed system (hybrid room) in term of both image quality and staff exposure compared to mobile system. However, particular attention must be paid to optimize protocols of such a machine to guarantee the best possible radiation protection for the patient.

Synthesis of the European ALARA network 20th workshop ‘ALARA for interventional radiology and nuclear medicine’

The European as low as reasonably achievable(ALARA) network regularly organises workshops on topical issues in radiation protection (RP). The topic of the 20th workshop was: ‘ALARA for interventional radiology (IR) and nuclear medicine (NM)’. The objective was to examine the challenges faced when applying the optimisation principle (ALARA) in IR and NM and to consider how ALARA could be better implemented for patient and staff exposures. This memorandum provides a synthesis of the workshop sessions, and recommendations coming from the working groups discussion. Parallels are drawn with the recommendations arising from the 13th EAN workshop on ‘ALARA and the medical sector (2011)’ to consider how the optimisation challenges in IR and NM have evolved over the past decade. Current levels of exposure are presented along with operational practice and the challenges and opportunities for improvement, both in monitoring and practice. Whilst RP challenges remain, the application of ALARA appears more established in IR compared with experiences reported in 2011. The application of ALARA to emerging technologies in the NM setting is in need of further development to ensure that RP is considered at all stages in the development process of new radiopharmaceuticals. Besides the obvious technical and operational aspects, the importance of education and training, human factors and broadly the RP ‘culture’ were deemed fundamental to the success of the application of ALARA and where further emphasis is needed. All concerned parties, medical physics experts (MPEs), radiation protection experts, clinical staff, manufacturers and regulators have a role to play in the application of ALARA and this is discussed in the memorandum. Many of the recommendations from the 13th EAN workshop remain applicable today and overlap with the recommendations arising from the 20th workshop. This should prompt attention given that the use of IR and the development of novel radiopharmaceuticals for NM is only anticipated to increase with time.

More on methadone take‐home changes in SAMHSA final rule

The American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD) hosted two webinars on the final rule for opioid treatment programs, both of which we covered (see tk and tk). One of the key provisions is changes in take‐homes. The changes incorporate flexibilities of the COVID‐19 era, in which more take‐homes were allowed to limit the exposure of patients and staff to the virus. The new rule allows for up to seven days of take home doses during the first 14 days of treatments, and up to 14 doses up from 15 days of treatment and 28 take home doses from 31 days in treatment.” This month AATOD president Mark Parrino commented on various aspects of the rule, which he supports in general, to clarify the role of the OTP. Always the undercurrent exists that the OTP has full liability for any mishaps. And this is codified in the rule, which states: “The requirement that OTPs maintain procedures to protect take home from theft and diversion is finalized as well as patient education on safe transport and storage of take home doses, including documentation of the provision of this education and the patient's clinical record.” Parrino says: “To be clear, the OTP clinician makes the final determinations of who is eligible to receive take home medication. While toxicology reports should not be used punitively, they should be employed in providing objective information to the clinician within the OTP as to best ascertain who is most capable of handling take home medication at such early stages of treatment. We have stated this throughout our commentary on regulatory oversight of take home medication. There must be a balance in providing flexibility to the patients in order to retain the patients in treatment against the safety of providing such take home medication to an unsupervised individual. While we have learned that there is increased safety in providing such take home to patients as a result of the COVID‐19 experience, it does not relieve the OTP using careful balancing standards in order to provide safety and flexibility.”

Radiation exposure in therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with two types of fluoroscopy systems

AbstractFluoroscopy is necessary for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Occupational radiation exposure of staff (endoscopists, nurses, or assistants) is inevitable. Fluoroscopes with a tube over‐couch (OC) rather than under‐couch (UC) may have more radiation reflection dosage on the staff's upper body theoretically, where the most vital organs are. In the study, we assessed the radiation exposure on staff by two different types of fluoroscopes in real‐world practice. Using a radiation dosimeter to measure the radiation dosage on endoscopists and assistants in each ERCP procedure under two different fluoroscopic systems (UC vs. OC). Forty‐one ERCP procedures were enrolled. Dosimeters were used NanoDots for the measurement of personal radiation exposure. Those dosimeters were attached to the left forearm and chest of the endoscopist and only the chest of two assistants, the wall of the ERCP room, and the controlling room in every procedure. Nine‐teen ERCPs were performed under the OC unit, and the other 22 ERCPs were UC method. Fluoroscopic time and output of radiation dose showed no significant difference between the two groups. Radiation exposure in endoscopist were 0.0911[0.1041–0.3974] mGy (OC) versus 0.0276 [0.0080–0.2924] mGy (UC), p &lt; .01 for the forearm; and 0.0318 [0.0070–0.2628] mGy (OC) versus 0.0182 [0.0088–0.1628] mGy (UC), p = .04 for the endoscopist's body. There was no difference in radiation exposure from assistants in both groups. For all the ERCP procedures, the measurement of radiation exposure from high to low is endoscopist's hand, endoscopist's body, assistant 1, assistant 2, and ERCP room (p &lt; .01). Radiation detection from ERCP room is slightly higher but close to controlling room (p = .06). For the safety of occupational radiation protection, tube of fluoroscope UC is better than OC for the endoscopists more than assistants. Besides, the assistant 1 took higher radiation exposure than assistant 2 for each ERCP procedure.

Assessment of the Occupational Radiation Exposure of Anesthesia Staff in Interventional Cardiology.

This research seeks to evaluate the occupational radiation dose, quantified as the whole-body Annual Mean Effective Dose (AMED), received by anesthesia personnel in interventional cardiology. Thermoluminescent dosimetry data was collected over five years (2019-2023) for a total of 175 anesthesia staff. Technologists comprised approximately 72.4% of the participants (55% male and 45% female), while consultants accounted for 27.6% (70% male and 30% female). Statistical tests, including Independent Samples T-Test and One-Way ANOVA, compared AMED across genders, job titles, and years. The study's findings on AMED across all staff from 2019 to 2023 showed marked variability in AMED. There was a significant rise in AMED from 0.72 mSv in 2019 to 0.92 mSv in 2020, then a decline to 0.82 mSv in 2021, with further decreases to 0.67 mSv in 2022 and finally to 0.65 mSv in 2023 (p < 0.001). The average AMED over the five-year span (2019-2023) was 0.76 ± 0.4 mSv. In terms of gender, the overall AMED for males was 0.73 ± 0.36 mSv and for females 0.79 ± 0.45 mSv, showing no significant statistical difference (p = 0.272). Significant differences in exposure were observed between the technologists who experienced a higher overall AMED (0.8 ± 0.43 mSv) compared to consultants (0.63 ± 0.29 mSv, p = 0.008). Despite these variations, AMED values remained lower than the annual occupational dose limit of 20 mSv, indicating generally low radiation exposure for anesthesia staff. This study emphasizes the importance of ongoing monitoring and enhanced protective measures to safeguard the health of medical professionals working with radiation.