Radiation dose to PET technologists and strategies to lower occupational exposure. Roberts FO, Gunawardana DH, Pathmaraj K, Wallace A, U PL, Mi T, Berlangieri SU, O'Keefe GJ, Rowe CC, Scott AM. Department of Nuclear Medicine and Centre for PET, Austin Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. J Nucl Med Technol. 2005 Mar;33(1):44-7.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the exposure level of PET technologists and devise strategies to lower exposure. METHODS: Dosimeters over a 2-y period were reviewed both for PET technologists and general nuclear medicine technologists. Exposure from various shielding techniques was assessed. RESULTS: PET compared to general nuclear techs had higher exposure levels (771 vs 524 microSv per quarter, i.e. 77 mrem vs 52 mrem / qtr). Injection of 18F-FDG contributed the most to radiation exposure. The 511-keV syringe shield reduced the average dose per injection from by almost 1/2. CONCLUSION: The radiation doses currently received by PET technologists are within accepted occupational guidelines, but improved shielding with 511-keV syringe shields can further reduce the dose. PMID: 15731021

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