Objective To collect information about radiation exposure in positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) related medical staff in Shanghai.
Methods Basic information of PET/CT staff was collected in Shanghai. Air absorbed dose rates from γ radiation in selected workplaces and individual cumulative doses from external exposures were monitored and estimated.
Results By the end of 2011, there were 13 sets of PET/CT and 153 related medical staff in Shanghai. The radiation doses to a body part varied with repacking and injecting methods of radiopharmaceutical:the highest air absorbed dose rate from γ radiation was found in eyes (exclude hands) if repacking without ventilation facility, the maximum value reached 613.6 μSv/h, which was 62 times the value of repacking with ventilation. The air absorbed dose rate from γ radiation reached the maximum of 391.8μSv/h in chest (exclude hands) if injection with mobile protection cart. Hands were the body part with highest exposure dose rate regardless of repacking or injection methods, and the maximum value were 4 407.0 μSv/h and 2 211.3 μSv/h respectively. In addition, individual cumulative doses varied with staffs' job titles, leading by nurses, technicians, and doctors. The bimonthly maximum dose reached 3 946.6 μSv in the nurse group.
Conclusion In Shanghai, the overall PET/CT protection levels meet national standards. However, the exposure levels can be further reduced to as low as possible.
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