Measurement of personal equivalent dose Hp(3) during procedures involving in positron emission tomography

Abstract

The aim of the present study consists to determinate the personal equivalent dose Hp(3) at eye lens during the procedures involved in positron emission tomography. We have monitored the nurse's staff which is responsible of handling and dispensing ¹⁸F. We characterize the relevant stages as the preparation, the transport and the administration of monodose syringes in terms of occupational dose. We observed that the preparation presents a major contribution to the occupational doses than the other stages. In addition, during those stage there is a correlation between the dose increments and handling activity. To establish the eye lens dose we use the following dosimetry set: a direct readout solid state dosimeter for general purposes calibrated at Hp(10) and a set of thermolumiscent dosimeters specific for ¹⁸F calibrated at Hp(3). Finally, for the dose intercomparison between above dosimeters we obtain a correction factor by Monte Carlo. The eye lens dose, with a value of 2.8 ± 0.4 mSv/yr, results more critical than the dose obtained in other locations, as extremities.