Radiation safety for staff while conducting radionuclide diagnostics

Introduction. Approximately 30% of radiation exposure in medical settings primarily stems from CT scanning (61.5%) and radionuclide procedures (12.1%). With the increasing number of examinations and doses administered to medical personnel, the issue of radiation safety is becoming increasingly pertinent. This study reviews the radiation risks for medical personnel in nuclear medicine, exemplified by PET/CT scanning with labelled compounds in Moscow, considering potential long-term health threats. The research focuses on optimizing radiation safety protocols, particularly in pediatric practice, emphasizing the importance of experienced doctors in ensuring safety and training new staff.

The study aims to systematize radiation risks for personnel in radionuclide diagnostics and develop recommendations for the safe use of ¹⁸F compounds.

Materials and methods. The study is based on comprehensive methodological approaches, including radiation control and hygienic analysis, using data from reports and scientific literature. A survey was conducted among one hundred twenty employees of a radionuclide department using a questionnaire method. Descriptive and analytical methods were applied in the research.

Results. The analysis revealed the impact of low doses of radiation on the immune system and health of the personnel, highlighting issues in the systematization and accounting of dose loads. Risks of radiation exposure to female staff, as well as during planning and pregnancy, were assessed. Information on radiation safety in pediatrics is presented.

Limitations. The article presents an analysis of the radiation doses received by the staff of a single PET center over a limited period of time.

Conclusion. The findings indicate existing monitoring systems and legislation in Russia to be insufficient to fully account for radiation risks. Special attention is necessary for women and pregnant medical workers, as well as children undergoing PET scanning. The study underscores the need for updating protocols and further research in this area.

Compliance with ethical standards. The study was approved by the local ethical committee of the I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119435, Moscow, Russian Federation (meeting protocol No. 02-23 dated 26/01/2023), and the Helsinki Declaration of the World Medical Association (as amended 2013) was carried out.

Contribution:
Zhernov Y.V. — the concept and design of the study, collection and processing of material, statistical processing, writing text;
Zakharova A.V. — collection and processing of material, statistical processing, writing text;
Zabroda N.N. — the concept and design of the study, editing;
Lytkyna A.O. — collection and processing of material, writing text;
Kazimov A.E. — collecting research material, writing text.
All authors are responsible for the integrity of all parts of the manuscript and approval of the manuscript final version.

Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Acknowledgment. The study had no sponsorship.

Received: July 5, 2024 / Revised: August 15, 2024 / Accepted: October 10, 2024 / Published: November 19, 2024