Examination of the effectiveness of different syringe shields for beta emitting radionuclides and the implications for staff finger and whole body doses

Hooper, Susan Ann 2011. Examination of the effectiveness of different syringe shields for beta emitting radionuclides and the implications for staff finger and whole body doses. MPhil Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

There are conflicting statements in the literature on the optimum shielding for beta emitting radionuclides. Perspex is commonly cited as reducing bremsstrahlung compared to lead. Other reports indicate lead can be used. Newer therapies require dispensing of large activities (>1GBq) and it is vital to minimize high finger doses. The shielding aspects for 90Y and 32P, two commonly used therapy radionuclides, have been investigated. Whole body doses and finger doses are examined, together with ergonomic aspects. The research highlights the difficulty in carrying out dose assessments and the disparity of the data in the literature. Three different assessment techniques were used: a) different types of TLDs; b) a variety of dose rate meters and c) spectral analysis with a germanium detector. The measurement and source geometries used were designed to replicate as far as possible those routinely encountered in the clinical environment. Investigations were carried out using three types of syringe shields for 10ml and 1ml syringes; Perspex, tungsten and a hybrid shield of plastic and lead. In all cases the hybrid shield is the optimum choice to reduce both finger dose and whole body exposure. However, ergonomically it is bulky which can result in longer handling times. This work identifies an improved shield design. The tungsten shield provides almost as much dose reduction and is preferred by operators. Tungsten shields are also normally routinely available in Nuclear Medicine departments. They are therefore considered a justifiable alternative. Although Perspex is still commonly recommended, both the tungsten and hybrid shields are superior to Perspex shields, with the exception of the 1ml shield for 90Y where Perspex was marginally better than tungsten. The other critical training issue highlighted is that finger doses can exceed statutory annual limits within seconds if staff handle unshielded syringes or vials of 90Y or 32P.

Item Type:	Thesis (MPhil)
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Engineering
Subjects:	R Medicine > R Medicine (General) T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	90Y; Bremsstrahlung; Sheilding; TLD; Spectra; Dose rate.
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	30 March 2016
Last Modified:	19 Mar 2016 22:40
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/23322

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