Ch. 5 Radiation Safety in Nuclear Medicine

absorbed dose

refers to the amount of radiation energy that is absorbed specific tissue or organ in the body

acute radiation sickness syndrome

refers to the set of symptoms that occur after a person is exposed to a high dose of radiation over a short period of time, such as in a nuclear accident or radiation therapy at very high levels

airborne radioactivity area

a designated zone where radioactive particles or gasses are present in the air at levels that could be harmful if inhaled

as low as reasonably achievable

a safety principle in radiation protection that aims to minimize radiation exposure to individuals by using the lowest possible doses, considering factors like time, distancing, and shielding

byproduct material

refers to radoactive materials that are produced as a result of nuclear reactions, such as in nuclear reactors or medical treatments. These materials are typically waste products that can be harmful and require careful handling disposal

central nervous system syndrome

occurs after very high radiation exposure, affecting the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms include confusion, loss of coordination, seizures, and loss of consciousness

department of transportation

government agency responsible for regulating the safe transport of hazardous materials, including radioactive substances, to ensure public safety during their transportation

deterministic effects

health effects of radiation that occur only after a certain dose threshold is exceeded. The severity increases with the doses, and examples include skin burns, hair loss, or radiation sickness

disintegrations per minute

a unit of measurement used in nuclear medicine to quantify the rate at which radioactive atoms decay or release radiation. It indicates how many atomic disintegrations occur in one minute

dose equivalent

measure the biological effect of radiation on the body, taking into account the type of radiation and its impact on different tissue. Usually expressed in sieverts (Sv) or millisieverts (mSv)

effective dose equivalent

measure that combines the dose of radiation received by different tissues with a factor that accounts for the sensitivity of each tissue to radiation. It helps estimate the overall risk to health from radiation exposure, expressed in sieverts (Sv)

efficiency

refers to how effectively a system, like a radiation detector or imaging device, converts radioactive energy into useful output, such as clear images or accurate measurements

exposure

the amount of radiation that reaches a person or object

gastrointestinal syndrome

occurs after very high radiation exposure, damaging the cells of the digestive system

hematopoietic syndrome

occurs after exposure to high doses of radiation, affecting the bone marrow and blood cell production. It leads to symptoms like anemia, infections, and bleeding due to a decrease in blood cells

high radiation area

a zone where radiation levels are high enough to potentially cause harm if a person is exposed for a short period. These areas are typically marked for safety and require special precautions

international council on radiation protection

an organization that provides guidelines and recommendations for radiation protection to minimize the risks of radiation exposure to people and the environment

medical event

refers to an unintended or incorrect radiation dose given to a patient during a medical procedure, which may exceed safe limits or cause harm

minimum detectable activity

the smallest amount of radioactive material that a detector can reliable measure above background radiation. It helps ensure accurate detection and measurement of radioactive substance in nuclear medicine

national council on radiation protection

a US organization that provides recommendations and guidelines for radiation safety, aiming to protect public health by limiting exposure to radiation

nuclear regulatory commission

a US government agency responsible for regulating the use of nuclear materials, ensuring safety and security in nuclear power plants, and overseeing radiation protection in medical and industrial applications

quality management program

refers to a system of procedures and practices designed to ensure safe, accurate, and effective use of radioactive materials, equipment, and procedures, focusing on patient safety, proper radiation dose, and regulatory compliance

radiation safety committee

a group of professionals responsible for overseeing and ensuring safe practices in the use of radiation in medical or research settings. They develop safety protocols, monitor compliance and address any radiation-related issues

radiation safety officer

a person responsible for ensuring radiation safety in a facility. They oversee the safe use of radioactive materials, ensure compliance with regulations, and train staff to minimize radiation exposure

stochastic effects

health effects of radiation that occur by chance and have no threshold dose. The likelihood of occurrence increases with dose, but the severity remains the same.

very high radiation area

a zone where radiation levels are extremely high, posing a significant risk of harm from even brief exposure. Special precautions and access controls are required to prevent accidental exposure

restricted area

a designated zone where access is limited to the presence of radiation or radioactive materials. Only authorized personnel, trained in radiation safety, are allowed to enter

radiation area

a zone where radiation levels are high enough to potentially cause harm from prolonged exposure. These areas are clearly marked, and safety precaustions are required for entry

written directive

a formal, written order used in nuclear medicine to specify the prescribed radiation dose, treatment site, and method for a patient. It ensures accurate and safe administration of radioactive materials in medical procedures