Answer to Question #2115 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Q

I am trying to find out if there are any safety requirements in regard to imaging suite design such as room size, distance between patient and technologist in order to minimize technologist's exposure to radiation, etc.?

A

The regulatory requirements for occupational exposure, including medical personnel, can be found at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission website, 10 CFR Part 20.1201 (i.e., 5 rem per year total effective dose equivalent for a whole-body exposure) or the equivalent regulations of the state in which the potential exposures occur. In addition, the radiation dose limits for individual members of the public (100 mrem per year) can be found at 10 CFR 20.1302 (as well as in the state regulations).

As far as safety recommendations, a good text to use and reference is the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) Report No. 107, "Implementation of the Principle of As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) for Medical and Dental Personnel." This report is part of a series of NCRP documents which discusses cost-benefit analyses, time-distance, and shielding considerations in a medical environment in order to minimize radiation exposures to individuals. Other NCRP Reports which also may be of assistance are NCRP No. 59, "Operational Radiation Safety Programs"; NCRP Report No. 71, "Operational Radiation Safety Training"; and NCRP No. 105, "Radiation Protection for Medical and Allied Health Personnel."

Cynthia G. Jones, PhD
Senior Assistant for Materials