Radiation Safety in Nuclear Medicine: A Practical, Concise Guide

Description:

This new edition is a fully updated guide to radiation safety practice for nuclear medicine professionals, and assists the nuclear medicine technologists in taking their board certifying examination. The NRC requires the appointment of a radiation safety officer (RSO) or an associate radiation safety officer (ARSO) for different uses of radioactive material. Board certified nuclear medicine technologists are eligible to be RSO and ARSO in specific uses of radioactive material after successfully completing a 40-hr or 200-hr course on radiation safety depending on the type of RAM use. This book covers all subject materials in these courses on radiation safety.

This guide provides ready-made, handy information on radiation safety as required in the practice of nuclear medicine, presented in a concise form for easy understanding and quick reference related to a given situation and/or incident. The major change in the new edition of the book is the addition of questions at the end of each chapter, to ensure the comprehension of the material by the examinees taking their certifying board examinations. As mentioned in the first edition, the NRC 10CFR20 for Standards for Radiation Protection and the NRC 10CFR35 for Medical Uses of Radioactive Materials are the primary sources of practical information on radiation safety in nuclear medicine. Much of the information is still valid, but many changes and additions have also been made since, which are fully updated here.

This is an ideal reference for nuclear medicine physicians, nuclear medicine technologists, and researchers using radioactive materials.

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Preface

The book, Radiation Safety in Nuclear Medicine, was written as a guide to radiation safety practice for nuclear medicine professionals. It helps the nuclear medicine technologists prepare their board certifying examination. The NRC requires the appointment of a radiation safety officer (RSO) or an associate radiation safety officer (ARSO) for different uses of radioactive material. Board-certified nuclear medicine technologists are eligible to be RSO and ARSO in specific uses of radioac¬tive material (RAM) after successfully completing a 40-h or 200-h course on radia¬tion safety depending on the type of RAM use. These courses are offered online or in-person by many professional organizations in the USA. My book covers all sub¬ject materials in these courses on radiation safety.

The major change in the new edition of the book is the addition of a set of questions at the end of each chapter, to ensure the comprehension of the material by the examinees taking their certifying board examinations. In all my three other textbooks, probing questions had been added and were appreciated by residents and technolo¬gists in radiology and nuclear medicine. These questions help them prepare for their board certification examination. Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) administers a certification examination in radiation safety (NMTCB-RS) to qualify technologists as RSO or ARSO. The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging administers frequent webinars on radiation safety in the format of questions for the technologists. This is the incentive for adding relevant questions at the end of each chapter in the book.

As mentioned in the first edition, the NRC 10CFR20 for Standards for Radiation Protection and the NRC 10CFR35 for Medical Uses of Radioactive Materials are the primary sources of practical information on radiation safety in nuclear medicine. Much of the information is still valid, though many changes and additions have been made since, which are included in the new edition. Some sections have been upgraded with elaboration with appropriate new information. Some relevant materials that were omitted in the first edition are included along with relevant tables and figures.

I am very grateful to Ms Margaret Moore, Senior Editor, Clinical Medicine of Springer Nature, for offering the publishing contract for the second edition of the book and her sincere advice and encouragement in my publishing effort. I am also thankful to Ms Swathiga Karthikeyan, Project Coordinator of Springer Nature, for her coordinated help in the successful production of the book. I am extremely appreciative of project managers, Caroline Rejina, Sangamithirai Arulprakasam, and Geetha Dhandapani for their meticulous effort in bringing the book to a very pleasant shape. Thanks are due to Springer Nature for their trust in me for more than four decades supporting the publications of four textbooks and their many editions.

Cleveland, OH, USA Gopal B. Saha

Table of contents :
Preface
Contents
1: Basic Physics of Radiation Safety
1.1 Atomic and Nuclear Structure
1.2 Radioactive Decay
1.2.1 Spontaneous Fission
1.2.2 Alpha (α) Decay
1.2.3 Beta (β−) Decay
1.2.4 Positron (β+) Decay
1.2.5 Electron Capture
1.2.6 Isomeric Transition
1.3 Radioactive Decay Equation
1.3.1 Successive Decay Equation
1.3.1.1 Transient Equilibrium
1.3.1.2 Secular Equilibrium
1.4 Units of Radioactivity
1.5 Interaction of Radiations with Matter
1.5.1 Interaction of Particulate Radiations
1.5.1.1 Ranges
1.5.1.2 Specific Ionization
1.5.1.3 Annihilation Radiation
1.5.1.4 Bremsstrahlung
1.5.2 Interaction of γ Radiations with Matter
1.5.3 Attenuation of γ Radiation
1.5.4 Linear Energy Transfer
1.6 Counting Statistics
1.6.1 Poisson Distribution
1.6.2 Mean and Standard Deviation
1.6.3 Error, Precision, and Accuracy
1.6.4 Gaussian Distribution
1.6.5 Standard Deviation of Count Rate
1.6.6 Propagation of Errors
1.6.7 Minimum Detectable Activity
References and Suggested Reading
2: Essential Equipment in Radiation Safety
2.1 Gas-Filled Detector
2.1.1 Ionization Chamber Survey Meter
2.1.2 Dose Calibrator
2.1.3 Pocket Dosimeter
2.1.4 Proportional Counter
2.1.5 Geiger–Muller Counter
2.2 Scintillation Counter
2.2.1 Well Counter
2.2.2 Thyroid Uptake Probe
2.2.3 Liquid Scintillation Counter
2.3 Neutron Detector
2.4 Personnel Monitoring
2.4.1 Film Badge
2.4.2 Thermoluminescent Dosimeter
2.4.3 Optically Stimulated Luminescence Dosimeter
2.4.4 Electronic Personal Dosimeter
Suggested Reading
3: Radiation Units, Exposure, and Absorbed Dose
3.1 Units of Radiation Exposure and Absorbed Dose
3.2 Radiation Exposure
3.2.1 Sources of Radiation
3.2.1.1 Natural Background Radiation
3.2.1.2 Medical Radiation Exposure
3.2.1.3 Industrial, Security, Education, and Research Exposure
3.2.1.4 Occupational Exposure
3.3 Absorbed Dose
3.3.1 External Dosimetry
3.3.1.1 Calculation of External Dose
3.3.1.2 Exposure Rate Constant
3.3.2 External Exposure from a Point Source
3.3.2.1 External Dose from a Line Source
3.3.2.2 External Exposure from a Plane Source
3.3.2.3 External Exposure from a Volume Source
3.3.3 Internal Dosimetry
3.3.4 Dose Limits to Radiation Workers and Others
3.3.5 Planned Special Exposure
3.4 Effective Dose Equivalent and Effective Dose
3.5 Reportable Events
3.6 Notification of Incidents
References and Suggested Reading
4: Radiation Protection
4.1 Principles of Radiation Protection
4.1.1 Time
4.1.2 Distance
4.1.3 Shielding
4.1.4 Do’s and Don’ts in Radiation Protection Practice
4.2 NRC Regulations of Radiation Protection
4.2.1 Definition of Specific Terms
4.2.2 Caution Signs
4.2.3 Posting Requirement
4.2.4 Labeling Requirement
4.2.5 ALARA Program
4.3 Security Control of High Radiation Areas
4.4 Use of Individual Respiratory Protection Equipment
4.5 Receiving and Monitoring of Radioactive Packages
4.6 Requirement of Monitoring of Occupational Doses to Radiation Workers
4.7 Wearing Badges
4.8 Bioassay
4.9 Decommissioning of Radiation Laboratory
4.10 Verification Card for Radioactive Patient
4.11 Radiation Phobia
References and Suggested Reading
5: Regulatory Framework for Radiation Protection
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Licensing
5.2.1 Agreement State
5.2.2 General Domestic License for In Vitro Testing
5.2.3 Specific Domestic License of Limited Scope
5.2.4 Specific Domestic License of Broad Scope
5.2.5 Application for Specific License
5.3 Food and Drug Administration Regulations for Radiopharmaceuticals
5.3.1 PET Radiopharmaceuticals
5.3.2 Radioactive Drug Research Committee
5.4 Accreditation of Nuclear Medicine Facility
5.4.1 Accreditation by the IAC
5.4.2 Accreditation by the ACR
References and Suggested Reading
6: Medical Uses of Radioactive Materials
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Application for License or Renewal
6.3 Where to File
6.4 License Amendment and Notification
6.5 Authorities and Responsibilities for Radiation Protection Program
6.5.1 Radiation Safety Officer
6.5.2 Radiation Safety Committee
6.6 Supervision
6.7 Training, Retraining, and Instructions to Radiation Workers
6.8 Written Directives
6.9 Authorization for Calibration, Transmission, and Reference Sources
6.10 Requirements for Possession of Sealed Sources
6.11 Sterile Preparation of Radioactive Drugs
6.12 Measurement of Dosage of Radiopharmaceutical for Patients
6.13 Permissible Concentration of 99Mo, 82Sr, and 85Sr in Radionuclide Generators
6.14 Use of Unsealed Byproduct Material not Requiring Written Directive
6.15 Minimizing Radiation Exposure from Nuclear Medicine Procedures
6.16 Labeling of Vials and Syringes
6.17 Possession and Calibration of Survey Meter
6.18 Survey of Ambient Exposure Rate
6.19 Survey for Removable Contamination
6.20 Medical Mobile Service
6.21 Medical Uses of Byproduct Materials
6.22 Special Medical Uses of Byproduct Material
6.23 Use of Radioactive Material in Animal Research
6.24 Report and Notification of a Medical Event
6.25 Report and Notification of Dose to Embryo/Fetus or Nursing Child
6.26 Record Keeping
6.26.1 Software for Record Keeping
6.26.2 Duration of Record Keeping
References and Suggested Reading
7: Training and Experience of Authorized Personnel
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Radiation Safety Officer and Associate Radiation Safety Officer
7.3 Training for Authorized Medical Physicist
7.4 Training for Authorized Nuclear Pharmacist
7.5 Authorized Users (Physicians, Dentists, and Podiatrists)
7.5.1 7.5.1 Training for Uptake, Dilution, and Excretion Studies
7.5.2 Training for Use of Unsealed Byproduct Material for Imaging and Localization Studies
7.5.3 Training for Use of Unsealed Byproduct Material for which a Written Directive Is Required
7.5.4 Training for Oral Administration of 131I-NaI Requiring a Written Directive in Quantities Less than or Equal to 33 mCi (1.22 GBq) (per 10CFR35.392) and Greater than 33 mCi (1.22 GBq)(per 10CFR35.394)
7.5.5 Training for the Parenteral Administration of Unsealed Byproduct Material Requiring a Written Directive
7.5.6 Training for Use of Manual Brachytherapy Sources
7.5.7 Training for Use of Sealed Sources for Diagnosis
7.6 Exemptions for Experienced RSO, AMP, AU, and ANP
7.7 Recentness of Training
References and Suggested Reading
8: Radiation Emergency Procedures
8.1 Introduction
8.2 Basic Procedures for Containment of a Spill
8.3 Radiation Incidents and Accidents
8.3.1 Management of Major Accidents
8.4 Radiological Dispersal Device
8.4.1 Measures to Take Following Explosion of Radiological Dispersal Device
8.4.1.1 Get Inside
8.4.1.2 Stay Inside
8.4.1.3 Stay Tuned
8.4.1.4 Other Protection Steps
8.4.2 Effects of RDD Dispersion
8.4.3 Measures to Prevent RDD
References and Suggested Reading
9: Management and Release of Patients Administered with Radioactivity
9.1 Diagnostic Patients
9.2 Therapeutic Patients
9.2.1 Therapy with Sealed Sources
9.2.2 Therapy with Unsealed Sources
9.3 Release of Patients Treated with 131I-NaI and Other Radionuclides
9.3.1 Calculation of Administered Activity to Release a Patient
9.3.2 Measured Dose Rates from a Patient Administered with Radioactivity to Release
9.4 Release of Patients Treated with 131I-NaI Based on Patient-Specific Factors
9.5 Written Instructions to the Patient to Follow after Release
9.6 Internal Dose
9.7 Record Keeping
References and Suggested Reading
10: Transportation of Radioactive Material
10.1 Introduction
10.2 Definition
10.3 Packaging
10.3.1 Stability Tests for Packages
10.3.2 Labeling of Packages
10.4 Exemption for Limited Quantity of Radioactive Material
10.5 Empty Packaging
10.6 Vehicles for Transportation of Radioactive Material
10.7 Exemption for Licensed Physician
10.8 Employee Training
10.9 Transportation of Radioactive Materials Within Hospital
10.10 Record Keeping
References and Suggested Reading
11: Disposal of Radioactive Waste
11.1 Rationale for Radioactive Waste Disposal
11.2 Management and Storage of Radioactive Waste
11.2.1 Storage of Dry Solid Waste
11.2.2 Storage of Liquid Waste
11.2.3 Infectious or Biohazard Radioactive Waste
11.2.4 Sharps and Glass Container
11.2.5 Radioactive Animal
11.3 Radioactive Waste Disposal
11.3.1 Decay-in-Storage
11.3.2 Disposal by Incineration
11.3.3 Disposal of Radioactive Material into Sewerage
11.3.4 Transfer to Authorized Recipients
11.3.5 Other Disposal Methods
11.4 Special Situations for Disposal of Radioactive Waste
11.4.1 Disposal of Gaseous Waste
11.4.2 Disposal of Sealed Sources
11.4.3 Management of Cadavers Containing Radioactive Materials
11.4.4 Disposal of Radioactive Animals
11.5 Record Keeping
References and Suggested Reading
12: Biological Effects of Radiation on Humans
12.1 Cell Structure and its Function
12.2 Apoptosis
12.3 Radiation Damage in Human Cells
12.4 Factors Affecting Radiation Damage in Genes and Chromosomes
12.4.1 Dose and Dose Rate
12.4.2 Linear Energy Transfer
12.4.3 Radiosensitizer and Radioprotector
12.4.4 Stage in the Cell Cycle
12.5 Acute Effects of Total-Body Irradiation
12.5.1 Hematopoietic Syndromes
12.5.2 Gastrointestinal Syndromes
12.5.3 Cerebrovascular Syndromes
12.6 Long-Term Effects of Radiation
12.6.1 Carcinogenesis
12.6.2 Dose–Response Relationship
12.6.3 Specific Cancers
12.6.4 Skin Damage
12.6.5 Cataractogenesis
12.7 Radiation Damage to Embryo and Fetus
12.7.1 Preimplantation Period
12.7.2 Major Organogenesis
12.7.3 Fetal Stage
12.8 Genetic Effects
12.9 Risk Versus Benefit in Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Procedures
References and Suggested Reading
Appendix A: Characteristics of Common Radionuclides
Appendix B: Units and Constants
Energy
Charge
Mass and Energy
Length
Activity
Constants
Appendix C: Answers to Questions