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Technetium-99m DTPA aerosol contamination in lung ventilation studies
D A Williams1, C Carlson, K McEnerney
1University of California Los Angeles, USA.
Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
|April 29, 1998
Summary
Technologists may experience minor contamination from Technetium-99m DTPA aerosol during lung ventilation studies. The patient is the primary source of aerosol leakage, followed by delivery system joints and exhaust filters.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Medicine
- Radiopharmacology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Working area contamination by Technetium-99m DTPA (diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid) aerosol is a concern for nuclear medicine technologists.
- Understanding contamination sources is crucial for minimizing exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify Technetium-99m DTPA aerosol contamination in nuclear medicine technologists.
- To identify specific sources of aerosol leakage during ventilation studies.
Main Methods:
- Technetium-99m DTPA aerosol was administered to patients using two commercial inhalation systems.
- Contamination was assessed via wipe tests on delivery system joints and Geiger-Mueller detector surveys.
- Face masks were worn by technologists, and patients used mouthpieces with washcloths.
Main Results:
- The patient was identified as the primary source of aerosol leakage.
- Secondary leakage sources included delivery system tube joints and exhaust filters.
- Technologist face masks showed contamination levels slightly above the 0.05 mR/hr threshold.
Conclusions:
- Trace levels of contamination to technologists and the room occur during Technetium-99m DTPA aerosol ventilation studies.
- Both tested delivery systems showed similar leakage sources and contamination levels.