RADIATION EXPOSURE AND RADIATION PROTECTION IN USE OF RADIOACTIVE ISOTOPES IN MEDICINE

Journal Article · Fri Mar 15 04:00:00 EST 1963 · Deut. Med. Wochschr.

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0028-1111973· OSTI ID:4017036

Emrich, D; Keiderling, W

In principle the biological effects of x radiation and energetic radiation from radionuclides are the same. In practical usage there are some differences. In order to afford protection from radionuclides used two types of dosimetry must be considered. These are personal and source dosimetry. Film badges and pocket dosimeters are adequate for personal protection. Portable or automatic radiation monitors are used for source dosimetry. Distance is an important factor to reduce exposure from a radiation source. Extreme cleanliness is a requisite for handling of radioisotopes once they are removed from the original container. In order to minimize the radiation exposure of patients there are several possibilities. One is to use a radioisotope of the same chemical type, but with a shorter physical half life. An example of this is the substitution of /sup 132/I, with a haif life of 2.4 hr, for /sup 131/I, with its half life of 8 days. Sometimes the biological haif life of the isotope can be reduced by increasing its rate of elimination (deconthmination), but this type of procedure is often not applicable to patients in clinical practice. If instruments with increased measurement sensitivity are used, smaller tracer doses can sometimes be used. Whole-body counters are especially useful here. Examples of tests where radiation exposure is reduced in this way are triolein excretion or absorption tests. Uptake of the radioisotope by a critical organ can be prevented if it is not required for carrying out the test. For instance, when / sup 131/I-labeled compounds are used for tests of extrathyroidal function, such as radioiodinated albumin, triolein, rose bengal, or hippuran, it is feasible to block the thyroid to prevent uptake of any I that might be released from the compounds. Absolute contraindications against use of radioisotopes are pregnancy and sedation, or treatment of children, except in case of malignant growths. Also, in general, therapy with radioisotopes should not be administered to adults under 40 yr of age. (BBB)

• Research Organization: Medizinische Universitatsklinik, Freiburg i. B.
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• NSA Number: NSA-18-020254
• OSTI ID: 4017036
• Journal Information: Deut. Med. Wochschr., Journal Name: Deut. Med. Wochschr. Vol. Vol: 88
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: German

Related Subjects

ABSORPTION
AGE
ALBUMINS
BIOLOGY
BODY
COUNTERS
DECONTAMINATION
DOSEMETERS
DYES
ENERGY
ENVIRONMENT
HALF-LIFE
HEALTH AND SAFETY
HIPPURAN
HIPPURIC ACID
INSTRUMENTS
IODINE 131
IODINE 132
IRRADIATION
LABELLED COMPOUNDS
MALFORMATIONS
MAN
MEDICINE
MONITORING
OLEIC ACID
ORGANIC ACIDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC IODINE COMPOUNDS
PERSONNEL
PHOTOGRAPHIC FILM DETECTORS
PREGNANCY
RADIATION CHEMISTRY
RADIATION PROTECTION
RADIATION SOURCES
RADIATIONS
RADIOISOTOPES
RADIOTHERAPY
REMOTE HANDLING
ROSE BENGAL
SAFETY
SENSITIVITY
SODIUM COMPOUNDS
THYROID
TRACE AMOUNTS
TRACER TECHNIQUES
URINE
VESSELS
X RADIATION