Radiation exposure of Staffhandling 18Fluorine- Fluorodeoxyglucose in a new positron emission tomography/computed tomography centre

Background: Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) is an imaging modality that combines images from high-energy gamma rays emitted by a positron emitting radiopharmaceutical and those from the CT component. The images are then used in the diagnosis of severe diseases. Procedures with PET radiopharmaceuticals introduce a risk of high occupational radiation exposure to staff handling them. 18Fluorine-Fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F] FDG) is the most commonly used PET radiopharmaceutical.Aim: To determine the radiation exposure of staff working at the PET/CT facility.Setting: Academic hospital in Gauteng.Methods: The study was quantitative and descriptive. The radiation exposure data of participants were collected using Polimaster & REG;electronic pocket dosimeters, ring dosimeters and thermoluminescent dosimeters. The participants' workflow was tracked and the tasks that led to the highest radiation exposure were identified.Results: Radiopharmacists had 129 dispensing days with the resultant daily radiation exposure ranging between 0.01 & mu;Sv and 0.32 & mu;Sv. The radiographers' daily radiation exposure ranged between 7.08 & mu;Sv and 19.14 & mu;Sv. Radiographers received the highest radiation dose during radiopharmaceutical injection (average = 1.86 & mu;Sv).Conclusion: The study found that staff working at a new PET/CT facility in Gauteng were not at risk of radiation exposure above the accepted annual limits, which are 20 mSv per annum, averaged over 5 years, and with no more than 50 mSv in 1 year.Contribution: The findings revealed the need for continuous training in radiation protection measures for all staff working in the PET/CT facility.