Radiation protection of technologists and ancillary personnel
Because PET-CT employs both radioactive material and x-rays in the same imaging suite, it presents special challenges for radiation protection. Diligent application of the As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) principle can minimize radiation doses to PET-CT technologists, ancillary personnel, and patients. Specifically, technologists should minimize the time spent in close proximity to patients following the administration of PET radiopharmaceuticals and during interventional CT localization procedures. Shielding PPE must be worn if there is a potential of exposure to scattered x-rays; tungsten-based shielding equipment should be employed to reduce hand and body exposure to annihilation photons during dose calibration and administration. Thorough documentation of standard operating procedures, training, personnel dose monitoring, receipt and disposal of radioactive material, shielding design, and the results of contamination surveys help ensure regulatory compliance. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.
