Reassessment of Radiation Exposure From Bone Scintigraphy

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Medicine
• Radiological Physics
• Radiation Safety

Background:

• Bone scintigraphy utilizes Technetium-99m methylene diphosphonate (^99mTc-MDP) for diagnostic imaging.
• Understanding radiation dose rates from patients is crucial for radiation protection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To re-determine the radiation dose rate emitted from patients undergoing bone scintigraphy.
• To assess radiation doses received by healthcare personnel and patient relatives.

Main Methods:

• Administered a mean of 20.87±2.54 mCi of ^99mTc-MDP.
• Measured dose rates using a GM counter at various distances (25-200 cm) and anatomical levels (head, thorax, abdomen, pelvis).

Main Results:

• Established strong correlations between dose rate, time, region, and distance.
• Calculated staff doses between 0.01-0.02 mSv/mCi per patient.
• Estimated companion doses: 0.019-0.039 mSv (public transport) and 0.011-0.022 mSv (personal vehicle).
• Quantified nurse radiation exposure at different hours post-injection.

Conclusions:

• Personnel and relative doses remained below legal limits, indicating safe practices.
• Recommended minimizing time spent with patients and maximizing distance for radiation protection.
• Highlighted the need for informing patients' relatives and staff about potential low-dose radiation risks.