Radiation protection programs in nuclear medicine

The development of radiation protection programs in nuclear medicine has been stimulated by the greater degree of regulation that exists in this form of medical imaging. A program within an institution will depend on the amount and type of work to be undertaken, the resources available, and the commitment of the individuals involved. These factors may be part of a licensing program or exist within a broader framework. General policy may be set forth in a manual or guidelines distributed to all employees. The continuing review and development of policy is the function of the institutional committee on radiation. This review must consider patients and workers with the objective of reducing overall dose while obtaining the maximum amount of clinical information. The responsibility for radiation protection is shared by the institution, the licensee, and the individual employee.