[Radiation Dose Considerations for Breast Sonographers Following ^99mTc-HMDP Bone Scan Administration].

Area of Science:

• Nuclear medicine and diagnostic imaging.
• Radiation safety in healthcare settings.

Context:

• Patients administered radiopharmaceuticals for bone scans can pose radiation exposure risks to healthcare professionals.
• Breast sonographers performing ultrasounds on these patients may receive occupational radiation doses.

Purpose:

• To identify factors contributing to radiation exposure in breast sonographers.
• To investigate the relationship between patient radiopharmaceutical administration and sonographer radiation dose.

Summary:

• This study measured radiation exposure in six sonographers during breast sonography of 59 patients who received 99mTc-HMDP.
• Radiation dose was correlated with the time from radiopharmaceutical administration to sonography, sonography examination time, and estimated radioactivity.
• Increased sonographer exposure was associated with shorter time intervals, longer examination times, and higher radioactivity levels.

Impact:

• Findings highlight key variables influencing sonographer radiation exposure during breast sonography.
• Suggests the need for education among physicians and sonographers regarding radiation safety protocols in nuclear medicine.
• While current exposure levels were below limits, proactive measures can further minimize risks.