Occupational radiation exposure in nuclear medicine technologists: A scoping review

The ionising radiation exposure received by Nuclear Medicine Technologists (NMTs) is estimated to be greater than that of most other medical imaging professions. Despite the relatively low exposures considered to be received by medical imaging professionals as a whole, delayed health issues associated with potential stochastic effects from ionising radiation raise concerns. Aspects such as evolving theranostic practices, increased Positron Emission Tomography (PET) procedures, and workforce shortages contribute to heightened workloads of NMTs, thus exacerbating potential exposure risks. This scoping review intends to explore the occupational radiation exposure of NMTs, since the year 2000.

A scoping review of the relevant literature was conducted. Four databases were searched, consisting of Medline, Embase CINAHL, and Scopus. The retrieved relevant articles were screened for inclusion in Covidence. Study selection, data charting and the data extraction was performed by two independent reviewers. Ethics approval was not required for this study.

Dose report data from 21 studies worldwide were analysed. Reported annual effective doses ranged from 0.06 mSv to 13.9 mSv. Procedures performed between sites consisted of general nuclear medicine, radionuclide therapy, and PET. Types of dosimeters used included Thermoluminescent Dosimeters (TLDs), Film Badges, Electronic Dosimeters (EDs), Radio-photoluminescence Dosimeters, and Optically Stimulated Luminescence Dosimeters (OSLs). Potential correlations have emerged between procedure types, dosimeters used, and the occupational radiation exposures reported.

A potential link between a broader variety of procedures performed and increased dose was found, particularly implicating PET procedures. Certain dosimeters show more promise than others for enhanced sensitivity, especially in environments conducting high-energy procedures.

Despite heterogeneity between studies in dose reporting methods, all reported doses were within annual recommended limits. This scoping review provides a foundation for future research, aiming to refine methodologies and address challenges in the understanding of occupational radiation exposure in NMTs.