Title:Reassessment of Radiation Exposure From Bone Scintigraphy
Volume: 24
Issue: 11
Author(s): Handan Tanyildizi-Kökkülünk*, Ahmet Murat Şenişik and Mahmut Yüksel
Affiliation:
- Radiotherapy Program, Vocational School of Health Sciences, Altinbas University, Istanbul, Turkey
Keywords:
Nuclear medicine staff, radiation exposure, bone scintigraphy, radiation dose, geiger muller, dose rate.
Abstract:
Aim: This study was aimed to re-determine the radiation dose rate emitted from the patients who underwent
bone scintigraphy.
Material and Methods: A mean of 20.87±2.54 mCi 99mTc-MDP was injected into patients. A GM counter was
used to measure dose rates in 3 different periods, at intervals of 25, 50, 100, 150, and 200 cm from the patient's
anterior for head, thorax, abdomen, and pelvis levels. Measurements were used to determine patient-induced
environmental doses and radiation doses to personnel/patient relatives.
Results and Discussion: There were strong correlations between mean dose rate (mRh-1mCi-1) and time at all
regions and distances. The received dose for staff was calculated between a range of 0.01-0.02 mSv/mCi per
patient. The total dose to be received by the companion was estimated to be between 0.019-0.039 and
0.011-0.022 mSv for public and personal vehicle transportation, respectively. The radiation dose exposed by
nurses (4th, 6th, and 8th hours after injection) was found to be 0.012-0.064, 0.006-0.038, and 0.002-0.018 mSv/-
patient, respectively.
Conclusion: The fact that the doses of personnel and patient relatives in the study were below the legal limits
shows that the study was carried out within a safe range. However, in terms of radiation protection, it is necessary
to limit the time spent with the patient as much as possible and increase the distance. Since the dangers of
low radiation dosages are unknown, there is a need to inform the patient's relatives and staff about the potential
risks.
