Eye Lens Radiation Exposure in Nuclear Medicine Staff: A Multi-Center Study

What is it about?

This study aimed to assess the lens dose of nuclear medicine staff across three sites, involving 23 workers from various roles such as technologists, radiopharmacists, physicists, and a physician. Using EXTDOSE Hp(3) OSL dosimeters, the workers' lens doses were measured over two months. The results showed an average lens dose ranging from 0.38 mSv to 1.48 mSv, with one radiopharmacist nearing the annual dose limit of 20 mSv. The annual occupational lens dose for most workers ranged between 2.3 to 11.5 mSv. The study highlights the importance of managing radiation exposure to adhere to safety principles and protect health, especially considering the increasing number of nuclear medicine procedures globally.

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Photo by Harpreet Singh on Unsplash

Photo by Harpreet Singh on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This research is important for several reasons: It addresses occupational safety in nuclear medicine, a field that is growing in importance and usage globally. It focuses on the radiation exposure to the eye lens, which is particularly sensitive to radiation and has recently had its dose limits revised by the International Commission on Radiological Protection. The study provides concrete data on lens dose exposure for various roles in nuclear medicine departments, helping to identify potential risks and inform safety practices. It highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and potential safety improvements, especially for roles like radiopharmacists who may be approaching dose limits. The research contributes to the broader understanding of occupational radiation exposure in medical settings, which is crucial for protecting healthcare workers' long-term health. Key Takeaways: • Annual occupational lens doses for most nuclear medicine workers ranged from 2.3 to 11.5 mSv, below the 20 mSv limit, but one radiopharmacist recorded a dose close to the limit at 17.9 mSv. • Different roles in nuclear medicine departments experience varying levels of lens dose exposure, with radiopharmacists and PET/CT technologists generally receiving higher doses than SPECT/CT technologists or physicists. • The study emphasizes the importance of monitoring and managing radiation exposure in nuclear medicine departments to ensure worker safety and compliance with dose limits, particularly for the eye lens.