Reduction in radiation exposure to nursing personnel with the use of remote afterloading brachytherapy devices

Journal Article · Fri Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1991 · International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0360-3016(91)90080-N· OSTI ID:6007766

Grigsby, P W; Perez, C A; Eichling, J; Purdy, J; Slessinger, E ^[1]

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1. Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, St. Louis, MO (USA)

The radiation exposure to nursing personnel from patients with brachytherapy implants on a large brachytherapy service were reviewed. Exposure to nurses, as determined by TLD monitors, indicates a 7-fold reduction in exposure after the implementation of the use of remote afterloading devices. Quarterly TLD monitor data for six quarters prior to the use of remote afterloading devices demonstrate an average projected annual dose equivalent to the nurses of 152 and 154 mrem (1.5 mSv). After the implementation of the remote afterloading devices, the quarterly TLD monitor data indicate an average dose equivalent per nurse of 23 and 19 mrem (0.2 mSv). This is an 87% reduction in exposure to nurses with the use of these devices (p less than 0.01).

• OSTI ID: 6007766
• Journal Information: International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics; (USA), Journal Name: International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics; (USA) Vol. 20:3; ISSN IOBPD; ISSN 0360-3016
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

550603* -- Medicine-- External Radiation in Therapy-- (1980-)
560151 -- Radiation Effects on Animals-- Man
62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AFTERLOADING
DOSE EQUIVALENTS
DOSEMETERS
DOSES
LUMINESCENT DOSEMETERS
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
MEDICAL PERSONNEL
MEDICINE
NUCLEAR MEDICINE
PERSONNEL
RADIATION DOSES
RADIATION PROTECTION
RADIOLOGY
RADIOTHERAPY
THERAPY
THERMOLUMINESCENT DOSEMETERS