Answer to Question #2230 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Q

I would like to know: Is it true that nuclear technologists receive less radiation than x-ray technologists? Thank You. Amal

A

The answer to the question really depends on the degree of work the nuclear medicine technologists and the x-ray technologists perform. In most situations, the x-ray technologists generally receive a higher cumulative dose than the nuclear medicine technologist. I'll address each one separately. The x-ray technologist's dose is based on the type of applications worked, the amount of time worked in each, and the level of protective measures taken to reduce the cumulative dose (through distance and protective body shielding). An x-ray technologist who works exclusively in a fluoroscopic application is going to receive a significantly higher dose than a technologist who works behind a leaded wall and only takes chest x rays. Does the x-ray technologist have to stay in the room or can he/she leave, depending on the application and the age of the patient? Each x-ray technologist is therefore going to receive a different cumulative dose. The nuclear medicine technologist is going to receive the majority of dose from the radioactive material received, what radioactive material is worked with, the syringe that contains the radioactive material, and the patient as well. The total dose is again dependent of the time of exposure and the level of protective measures taken. As you can see, there is no one answer to the question as posed. To answer the question, first answer what type of application is to be performed, the number of applications performed, and what type of protective measures are taken to reduce the final dose.

Sander Perle