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The practical considerations of dose constraints in diagnostic medical departments using ionizing radiation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 November 2013

H. Piwowarska-Bilska ,
M. Nowak ,
M. H. Listewnik ,
P. Zorga  and
B. Birkenfeld
H. Piwowarska-Bilska*
Affiliation:
Department of Nuclear Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland.
M. Nowak
Affiliation:
Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland.
M. H. Listewnik
Affiliation:
Department of Nuclear Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland.
P. Zorga
Affiliation:
Department of Nuclear Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland.
B. Birkenfeld
Affiliation:
Department of Nuclear Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland.
*
ahanna.piwowarska@pum.edu.pl
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Abstract

The term “dose constraint” has been used in radiological protection since 1990. Its practical application has varied from country to country to the present day. The authors of this paper believe that it is an underestimated tool for the purpose of radiological protection. This study aims to estimate local dose constraints for workers in conventional nuclear medicine and radiology departments, on the basis of doses received in the last 3 to 4 years by different groups of workers. The levels of exposure to employees of the nuclear medicine department correspond well to levels in other countries, but for employees belonging to the radiology department, the levels are significantly lower. Unification of the practical application of dose constraints and legislation concerning their specific values would increase the relevance and effectiveness of these operational units. This is a playing field for radiation safety officers for the determination and widespread publication of local dose constraints in their particular medical departments.

Keywords

dosimetrydose constraintsexposure to personnel
Type
Research Article
Information
Radioprotection , Volume 49 , Issue 1 , January 2014 , pp. 23 - 25
Copyright
© EDP Sciences, 2013

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