operationalconsiderationswithpetct-radiationprotectionof.pptVIP

Radiation Protection in PET/CT L 6 PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Answer True or False Technologists need not bother with gloves or lab coats when injecting a patient with 18F-FDG, as it is not absorbed by the skin and washes off quite easily The positrons emitted by 18F travel only a few mm in water, so no special radiation protection precautions are needed, and syringes containing 18F-FDG can be handled just like any other syringe filled with saline Objective To consider protective equipment for reduction of staff doses in cyclotron and PET/CT facilities, including shielding, handling devices and personal protective equipment (PPE) Content Shielding Handling radionuclides PPE Shielding For 511 keV typically 30-50 mm lead For 99mTc (140 keV) usually 3 or 6 mm Biggest problem with 511 keV shielding is the weight (density of lead 11 kg/litre) Transport Case Syringe Shields Dose rate from FDG using Various Syringe Shields Storage of Radionuclides Storage safe (sources and waste) 50 mm lead Various sizes Weight 500-1500 kg Reduces dose rate by 10-3 Security for removal Storage of Solid Waste Shielded bins for papers, gloves, empty vials and syringes. Separate bins for active and non-active waste Contaminated linen must be stored for 24 hours in protected cupboard before removal to laundry Dispensing Dispensing unit 50 mm lead thickness Weight 25 kg Reduces dose rate by 10-3 Additional lead L block 30 mm lead thickness Weight 250 - 500 kg Need to consider loading on work surface due to weight of lead Calibrators PET Radiopharmacy Lab Drawing Up Calculate volume required Gloves Long handle forceps or tongs Only fill syringe to 50% capacity Long Forceps - 30 cm Reduce dose by 60% compared with 18 cm tools Calibrator Calibrator ‘sunk’ into worktop helps to reduce exposure time of operator Worktop Surfaces Administration of Radiopharmaceuticals Remote Injection System (Lemer Pax) Connect to patient by catheter Manually activated remote system Operator behind protective