Potential hazard to ultrasonographers from previously administered radionuclides

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Nuclear Medicine
• Radiation Safety

Background:

• Patients undergoing nuclear medicine studies may retain radioactive materials.
• Diagnostic procedures like ultrasonography are performed on these patients.
• Potential radiation exposure to healthcare professionals is a concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the radiation hazard to ultrasonographers from patients treated with radionuclides.
• To quantify radiation levels experienced by sonographers during patient examinations.

Main Methods:

• Radiation measurements were taken from patients who had received radionuclides.
• Exposure levels were recorded at specific positions relevant to the ultrasonographer.
• Data from over 30 patients were collected, with detailed results for 24.

Main Results:

• Radiation levels up to 10 mR/hr over the abdomen and 5 mR/hr at tableside were detected.
• In one case, levels of 40 mR/hr at the sonographer's hands and 8 mR/hr at the gonads were recorded.
• These findings highlight a measurable radiation risk during ultrasonography of nuclear medicine patients.

Conclusions:

• Ultrasonographers exposed to radiation from patients should be classified as radiation workers.
• Routine monitoring of radiation exposure for ultrasonographers is recommended.
• Implementing radiation safety protocols is crucial for protecting healthcare professionals in this setting.