Answer to Question #877 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Q

In regards to question #855 regarding safety with PET, are there any specific, practical recommendations for nuclear medicine technologists who work with these patients to reduce their occupational exposure and reduce exposure to other patients?

A

Generally, practical recommendations to reduce the exposure of technologists and others to patients undergoing PET procedures are similar to those involving other internally deposited radionuclide procedures. Emphasis is usually placed on reducing patient contact through minimizing times and increasing distances. The use of mobile shielding may be considered, but should be evaluated in light of the time with the patient and distance where the technologist can wait. The use of separate waiting rooms for injected patients removed from the general clinic and public areas should be considered. Finally, patients should be informed that they are emitting radiation and should avoid close contact with other people for a few hours. A recent article that reviews measured dose rates from patients undergoing PET procedures is "Radiation dose rates from patient undergoing PET: implications for technologists and waiting areas," by N.A. Benatar, B.F. Cronin, and M.J. O'Doherty, European Journal of Nuclear Medicine, Vol. 27, No. 5, pages 583-589, May 2000. John Jacobus, M.S., CHP