A preliminary survey of female breast characteristics based on three-dimensional images of breast cone-beam computed tomography / 中国辐射卫生

Objective To establish a method to characterize the size and density of the female breast based on three-dimensional images of breast cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and describe the breast characteristics of women in a region of China, and to explore its value in dosimetric assessment for breast CBCT examinees. Methods We retrospectively surveyed the breast CBCT images of 203 women in a grade A tertiary hospital in a southwestern city of China from January 2021 to March 2023. The effective diameter of the breast at the chest-wall (Deff), chest wall-to-nipple length (CNL), the effective diameter of the breast at half of CNL (Dh/2), breast volume (BV), glandular volume (GV), and volumetric breast density (VBD) were measured using the specific tools of the Koning Imaging Viewer system. The differences between groups were assessed using the Kruskal-Wallis H test. The correlation between variables was assessed using the Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Results The median values of Deff, Dh/2, CNL, BV, GV, and VBD of the surveyed population were 11.9 cm, 8.3 cm, 6.5 cm, 327.7 cm3, 47.0 cm3, and 15.4%, respectively. GV and VBD had significant negative correlations with age. Deff, Dh/2, CNL, and BV were significantly negatively correlated with VBD. Conclusion We established a quantitative method to analyze female breast characteristics based on three-dimensional breast CBCT images, and preliminarily characterized the female breast in a region of China, which can provide methodological support for the investigation of female breast characteristics in various regions of China in the future.

Research progress in the average glandular dose during mammography / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Mammography has played an essential role in the screening and treatment of breast cancer. However, the application of X-rays will also increase the risks of breast cancer while improving its detection rate. Moreover, the risks will increase with an increase in the radiation dose. Since the glandular tissue in breasts is sensitive to radiation, the evaluation of the average glandular dose (AGD) in mammography has attracted considerable international attention. Compared to relatively mature dosimetric studies on traditional two-dimension mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis, the method for the dose evaluation of the new cone beam CT for breasts are still subjected to research. This paper reviews and explores the current status of studies on the assessment method and relevant influencing factors of AGD under different types of mammography equipment.

Discussion on the evaluation of radiation protection of “four-in-one” dental X-ray equipment / 中国辐射卫生

Objective To evaluate the radiation protection of “four-in-one” dental X-ray equipment and to investigate the safety interlock of the equipment by measuring the scattered radiation at the position of the patient during operation. Methods A cone-beam CT dental phantom was used to simulate the patient’s head. The intra-oral and extra-oral components of the “four-in-one” X-ray equipment were installed in a 5 m2 room. The scattered radiation at patient position was measured using a γ/X-ray survey meter, and the effects of intra-oral and extra-oral components were compared. Results For a 5 m2 room, when CBCT was exposed under typical conditions, the dose at the patient's position was 10.70 uSv/h when there was an intra-oral component and 10.60 uSv/h when there was no intraoral component. The intra-oral part did not affect the radiation dose at the patient's position. When the intra-oral component was exposed, the dose rate at the patient's position was 4.05-6.85 uSv/h, and the extra-oral part did not affect the scattered dose of the patient examined with intra-oral components. Conclusion The evaluation of radiation protection of new equipment must comprehensively consider radiation safety and equipment operation safety. The results of this study provide suggestions for clinical radiation protection supervision and evaluation of “four-in-one” dental X-ray equipment.

Determination and optimization of radition quality of calibration system for mammography dosimeters in IAEA/WHO secondary standard dosimetry laboratory / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective:To determine and optimize the radiation quality of the calibration system for mammography dosimeters in IAEA/WHO Secondary Standard Dosimetry Laboratory and to study the requirements for accuracy of thickness of the aluminum sheets used in the measurement, with a view to ensure the accuracy of the radiation quality.Methods:For the measurements of tube voltage and RQR-M radiation quality, a standard kV meter was used to determine the actual tube voltage value of the system under continuous exposure for 30 s by setting tube voltage of 25, 28, 30 and 35 kV, respectively, and aluminum sheet method was used to determine the first half value layer (HVL 1). The kV values were adjusted to make the reading of the standard kV meter as close as possible to its nominal value, so as to obtain the set kV value, actual tube voltage and HVL 1 per 1 kV within the nominal 25-35 kV range. For effects of different thickness of aluminum sheets on the result of HVL 1 measurement, a comparison was made between HVL 1 measured by aluminum sheet with thickness of 0.318 mm and 0.369 mm and HVL 1 measured under 18 different groups of aluminum sheet using a selected 30 kV tube voltage. Results:After the set kV values were adjusted, the actual tube voltage deviations from the nominal values under 25, 28, 30 and 35 kV were reduced from 0.55, 0.34, 0.33, 0.30 to 0.04, 0.02, -0.04, -0.01, and the HVL 1 deviations were reduced from 0.011, 0.007, 0.010, 0.012 to 0.000, 0.003, 0.003, 0.010, respectively. When the thickness differences between the two types of aluminum sheet and the reference HVL 1 were both within 0.1 mm, the deviations of the measured HVL 1 were all less than 0.01 mm Al, and the result was relatively accurate. However, when the differences exceeded that of 0.1 mm, most of the deviations of the measured HVL 1 were between 0.01 and 0.02 mm Al, and the measured result was not accurate. Conclusions:Although the RQR-M radiation quality of the calibration system was deviated, it is still within the range specified under the IEC 61267-2005. The radiation quality was closer to the standard values after fine-tuning the system tube voltage. In order to measure the HVL 1 more accurately, the thickness differences between the used aluminum sheet and nominal HVL 1 should not be greater than 0.1 mm Al.

Investigation and analysis on entrance surface dose of patients in radiography procedures in China / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective To investigate the entrance surface dose to the examined patients in radiography using digital and screen-film system in hospitals at different levels in 15 provinces and municipalities in China,in order to provide data for developing diagnostic reference level of radiography suitable for our national physical characteristics.Methods According to the requirements of the Technical Study on Medical Radiation Hazard Assessment and Control,the examined patients aged 20-70 years were selected,with body weight ranging from 55 to 80 kg for male and 50 to 70 kg for female.TLDs were used to measure the entrance surface dose to adult patients in radiography.No less than 10 examined patients were required at each body position,with examined locations including head (PA,LAT),chest (PA,LAT),abdomen (AP),pelvis (AP),lumbar (AP,LAT),and thoracic vertebra (AP,LAT).Results A total of 19 975 individuals undergoing radiography and 1 813 radiographic equipment of different types including screen-film radiography,computed radiography (CR) and digital radiography (DR),were investigated in 342 hospitals in 15 provinces and municipalities throughout the country.For these three types of equipment,the average entrance surface dose to the examined were 1.75,1.9,and 1.15 mGy in head (PA),1.69,1.46and 1.03 mGy in head (LAT),0.75,0.65 and 0.36 mGy in chest (PA),1.81,1.26 and 0.88 mGy in chest (LAT),4.37,3.77 and 2.15 mGy in abdomen (AP),3.73,3.56 and 2.75 mGy in pelvis (AP),5.49,5.84 and 4.17 mGy in lumbar (AP),12.01,9.37 and 6.82 mGy in lumbar (LAT),4.53,3.65 and 2.49 mGy in thoracic vertebra (AP),and 6.91,6.43 and 4.15 Gy in thoracic vertebra (LAT).Conclusions Entrance surface dose caused by radiography examination varies dependent on different exposure locations.Entrance surface doses caused by digital radiography are all lower than by screen-film radiography;those caused by digital radiography are lower than by computed radiography,except for thoracic vertebra (AP).In all examinations,no difference of statistical significance is found between CR and screen-film radiography in entrance surface dose.

Assessment of the hand dose to occupational staff in five procedures of interventional radiology / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective To estimate the hand dose of occupational staff in five procedures of interventional radiology.Methods The thermoluminescence ring dosimeter(TLD,LiF:Mg,Ti)calibrated in dose equivalent Hp(0.07) was used to monitor the radiation dose to the both hands in five procedures of interventional radiology in four hospitals.Meanwhile,the tube voltage and current and the fluoroscopy time,accumulated doses,DAPs (Dosed-Area Product) and photographic frames were also recorded for statistical analysis(SPSS 18.0).Results In this study,five interventional procedures were monitored in 119 cases.The doses to the left and right hands of occupational personnel in the five interventional procedures were analyzed,and the difference was statistically significant (t =1.99,P＜ 0.05).The differences in the dose to the left hand and the right hand of the first operator with different interventional procedures were statistically significant (F =455.83,116.45,P＜0.01).Tube voltage,current,fluoroscopy time,and photographic frames in influence factor analysis were statistically significant (r =0.570,0.712,0.564,0.711,P＜ 0.05),indicating that four factors might affect the operator's hand doses.In addition,increasing these four factors directly led to increase in the operator's hand doses.The variables with statistical significance in the above single factor analysis were introduced into the multiple linear regression equation and the stepwise regression method was used to fit the equation.The fitting equation was y=225.763+ 1.862x1-98.125x2 (F=22.726,P＜0.05).Where,x1 was the fluoroscopy time and x2 was the photographic frames which showed that they were the main factors affecting the hand dose.Conclusions The dose to the hands of the primary operator was the highest,followed by the second operator,the assistant or nurses.The order of average doses to the hands of the primary operator was PM＞RFA＞CA＞ PTCA+PCI ＞ ITCA in the five procedures.The annual equivalent dose to primary operator's hands may exceed the dose limit for hands in practicing large amount of the PM procedures.

Investigation and analysis on the dose of the subjects in CT scanning in China / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective To investigate the CT scanning parameters in hospitals at different levels in 15 provinces and cities in China and the doses to patients undergoing CT examination,in order to provide the basis for establishing CT diagnostic reference level suitable for our country.Methods As required in the implementation program for Technical Study on Medical Radiation Hazard Assessment and Control,the information on the patients examined and the CT scanning parameters in clinical practices were investigated.The CT dose index (CTDI100,CTDIW,CTDIVOL) of CT scanner was measured by using the CT ionization chamber.The dose length product (DLP) was calculated on the basis of the scan length of the patients examined.Results A total of 6 524 CT scanning procedures and 483 different types of CT scanning equipment were surveyed in 166 hospitals in 15 provinces in China.For head,chest,abdomen,and lumbar vertebrae,the average weighted CTDIW were 43,15,19 and 25 mGy,respectively,and the third quartile of CTDIw were 50,19,23 and 32 mGy,respectively.The average DLP were 540,397,503 and 376 mGy· cm,respectively.The third quartile of DLP were 659,525,632 and 479 mGy· cm respectively.Conclusions Through this survey,the doses to CT-examined patients in some provinces were basicly ascertained.The third quartile of doses to four body parts of the examined patients are different from the diagnostic reference level given in publications in other countries and regions.It is important to establish the CT diagnostic reference level suitable for our CT-examined patients according to Chinese national physical characteristics and therefor to promote the optimization of medical radiation protection in CT examination.

Effect of auxiliary radiological protective devices on reducing dose to the eye lens of interventional staff / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective To establish a method for reducing the dose to the eye lens of interventional staff,and provide the data basis for improving radiological protection measures.Methods One piece of interventional equipment coupled with conventional auxiliary protective devices and two types of common neural interventional procedures were selected to monitor 46 and 35 procedures before and after the device modification.The doses to the eye lens of staff were measured with direct-reading dosimeters for analysis of dose trends.Results After modification of the devices,the average dose to the left eye lens decreased from (9.71 ±10.86) to (3.23 ±5.59) μSv for the first operator,from (9.51 ± 12.34) to (0.68 ± 0.78) μSv for the second in cerebral angiography;whereas the dose decreased from (14.83 ± 19.13) to (4.17±4.59) for the first operator and from (14.12±21.76) to (1.23 ±1.57)μSv for the second in embolization procedure,respectively.The left eye lens doses measured before and after the modification showed significant difference (U =-2.760,-2.467,-1.967,-2.655,P ＜0.05).Conclusions The modification of the auxiliary radiological protective devices may effectively reduce the dose to the eye lens dose.This method was shown to be feasible for the improvement of radiological protection of interventional staff.

Study of real-time measurements of occupational staff's eye lens doses by direct-reading dosimeters in interventional procedures / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective To establish the methods for measuring the dose to occupational staff's eye lens in interventional procedures with direct-reading dosimeters,and to realize the real-time monitoring of eye lens dose and warning for high dose rate,thus providing the scientific basis of the staff radiological protection in interventional procedures.Methods Direct-reading dosimeters were calibrated with personal dose equivalent HP (3).The eye lens doses for occupational staff in different kinds of interventional procedures were measured by the devices with both single-and double X-ray tubes.The data obtained fromthe direct-reading dosimeters was compared to those obtained from TLDs.Results Direct-reading dosimeters showed good linear fitting with the calibration of HP (3),and the coefficients of variation were lower than 5％.The average eye lens HP (3) for the main operator in coronary arteriography and stent implantation in brain obtained by direct-reading dosimeters were 12.0 and 24.5 μSv,respectively,whereas those obtained by TLDs were 11.9 and 22.7 μSv,respectively.The direct-reading dosimeters gave similar t~nds as TLDs do so.The direct-reading dosimeters were able to provide eye lens HP (3) in each individual interventional procedure,and to monitor the real-time dose rate as well.Conclusions The calibration of HP (3) and the data gained by direct-reading dosimeters are reliable.Therefore,the methods for real-time measurement of eye lens dose for occupational staff in interventional procedures are successfully established.

The measurements of eye lens dose for occupational staff in interventional procedures / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective To establish methods of measuring the eye lens dose to interventional staff,to obtain relevant dose data and to provide a scientific basis for reducing eye lens dose.Methods Two kinds of dosimeters,thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) and optically stimulated luminescence dosimeter (OSLD),were selected to measure the personal dose equivalent HP (3) to eye lens of occupational staff in several kinds of interventional procedures,including cardiovascular interventional procedures,cerebrovascular interventional procedures etc.Five types of Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) equipment were chosen in the study,including single tube equipment and double tube equipment.Results The eye lens dose HP (3) to interventional staff varied significantly with different interventional procedures.The lowest dose is shown in the coronary angiography procedure,while the highest dose shown in the cerebral stenting procedure.For the same type of interventional procedure,the eye lens dose to the primary interventionist was the highest.For same interventionist,the dose to the left eye was obviously higher than that to the right eye.In addition,the measured results of OSLD were apparently higher than that of TLD.Conclusions Both TLD and OSLD could be used to measure eye lens dose,and the ways of calibrating TLD to evaluate personal dose equivalent HP (3) were feasible.The reason of significant difference between the measured results of TLD and OSLD needs further research.

Evaluation performance of calibration apparatus for dosimeters used in X-ray mammography / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective To fulfill the requirements for uncertainty of the calibration apparatus for dosimeters used in X-ray mammography through setting standard radiation quality at the SSDL and developing calibration procedures.Methods According to IEC 61267-2005 and IAEA TRS No 457 to recommend RQR-M and RQA-M series standard radiation quality,the calibration apparatus was evaluated for long term stability of the radiation field over 8 years from 2006 to 2014,including 10 response quantities,such as field homogeneity,change rate of mean air kerma and scatter radiation contributions and so on.In addition,the reference dose instrument was traced back to the PSDL of PTB in Germany by post during 2008 and 2012.Results The field homogeneity (φ 40 mm) relative error was ± 1.4％.The long term stability of the calibration apparatus was less than ± 2％ (limits of variation).The scatter radiation contributions at their points of test were below 0.12％.The calibration factors traced to PTB were 0.999-1.000.As a result of the calibration apparatus,the expanded uncertainty was ± 3％ (k =2,95％ confidence interval).Conclusions The calibration apparatus may meet the requirements of IEC 61267-2005 and IAEA TRS No 457 and has obtained the license of metrology from national regulatory authority.The laboratory now performs very well to calibrate dosimeters used in X-ray mammography.

Peak skin dose measurements in two cardiac interventional procedures using radiochromic film / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective To measure the peak skin dose (PSD) in two cardiovascular interventional procedures,including coronary angiography (CA) and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) using radiochromic film.Methods Gafchromic XR-RV3 film was selected to measure PSD in two hospitals.The films were placed on the table underneath the patient during interventional surgery.The kV,mA,fluoroscopy time,dose-area product (DAP),and cumulative dose at reference point and other relevant information were recorded for all cases.Using the Epson V750 flatbed scanner for scanning and analyzing film,FilmQA software was chosen to analyze the pixel value of red,green and blue color channels.The PSD was determined using red channel data.The correlation and linear regression analysis between PSD and device-displayed parameters was carried out.Results PSD were measured using XR-RV3 film for 26 CA and 19 CA + PTCA procedures.For CA procedures,maximum fluoroscopy time,cumulative dose and DAP were 17.62 min,1 498.50 mGy and 109.68 Gy · cm2,respectively.The maximum PSD was 361.20 mGy.However,for CA + PTCA procedures,maximum fluoroscopy time,cumulative dose and DAP were 64.48 min,6 976.20 mGy and 5 336.00 Gy· cm2,respectively.One patient with CA + PTCA procedures was found to have received the PSD value more than 2 Gy,up to 2 195.70 mGy.DAP was found to be a good indicator (R2 =0.815,P ＜0.05) of PSD for CA procedure,and correlated with cumulative dose (R2 =0.916,P ＜ 0.05) for CA + PTCA procedures.Conclusions The PSD value of some patients in cardiac interventional procedures would exceed 2 Gy,the threshold of deterministic effects recommended by ICRP.The dose-related parameters value showed on DSA device can only used to estimate PSD roughly.Using XR-RV3 film accurate measurement of the PSD in interventional projects is a very fast and effective method.

Comparison of dosimetric characteristics of two radiochromic films (XR-RV3 and EDR2) / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective To study the dosimetric characteristics of two different radiochromic films used to estimate peak skin dose(PSD) of patients.The characteristics of these two films were investigated and compared after exposure to ionizing radiation in the diagnostic energy range,including post-exposure gray growth,sensitivity,energy dependence and dose response.Methods GafChromic XR-RV3 film and KODAK EDR2 film were exposed to air kerma 800 mGy free-in-air using five X-ray beam qualities (60,80,100,120 and 140 kVp) in a SSDL.The measurement for each energy was normalized to 80 kV to analyze energy dependence of films.The films were calibrated to different dose level (0.025-10 Gy) onphantom by 80 kV X-rays.The response curve were plotted to analyze sensitivity and dose response.The films were scanned with Epson V750 commercial flatbed scanner.Color channel analysis was performed.Results The post-exposure gray growth of XR-RV3 film was found to be fairly stable.The change were 2％,4％,6％ at 24 h,72 h and 6 weeks after exposure respectively.EDR2 film was found to be more sensitivity than XR-RV3 film in low dose.The energy response of the XR-RV3 film and EDR2 film were within 9％ and 23％ over the clinical diagnostic x-ray energies,respectively.In the dose range of 0.025-10 Gy,for the XR-RV3 film,the red channel with the dose response curve was most obvious.For EDR2 film,the pixel value of three color channels was coincident.The EDR2 film appeared to be saturated when receiving doses greater than 500 mGy.Conclusions The XR-RV3 film is superior to EDR2 film in gray growth,energy dependence,dose-response and other aspects.This film is very suitable for measuring and analyzing PSD of patients in interventional radiology procedures.

Research of angular dependence of mammographic dosimeters / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective To study the angular dependence of four different mammographic dosimeters to monoenergetic X-ray beams and observe the variation tendency in angular dependence to different energy X-rays and to discuss the evaluation of average glandular dose(AGD)in digital breast tomosynthesis(DBT)system.Methods One ionization chamber and three semiconductor dosimeters were exposed by four kinds of beam quality.The signal of each dosimeter was tested over an angular range of 0° to 90°.The dosimeters were exposed for three times at each selected angular position.The measurement at each angle was normalized to the appropriate measurement at perpendicular incidence.Results The responses from all the dosimeters had a maximum at 0° and decreased with increasing angles.When the radiation incidence angle was 10°,the angular dependence were 0.99,0.99,0.96 and 0.96 for dosimeters A,B,C and D,respectively.And the angular dependence decreased to 0.96,1.00,0.78 and 0.52 when the incidence angle was up to 25°.For semiconductor dosimeters,no signal was recorded when incidence angle was beyond 45°.For ionization chamber,the magnitude of the angular dependence generally decreased with increasing energy.Conclusions All of the dosimeters will underestimate the dose if used in DBT.In order to minimize the error due to the rotation angle of X-ray tube,correction factor of mammography dosimeter should be used for the measurement of AGD in DBT systems.

Radioactivity analyses of food and drinking water in China following the Fukushima nuclear accident / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective To summarize the analytical results of radioactivity in the food and drinking water nationwide following the Fukushima nuclear accident,and to evaluate its possible contamination to the public health in China.Methods According to the national standard methods and IAEA,FDA correlative references,the scheme was established on sampling and measurements in food and drinking water after the breakout of the accident.The quality control was requested on the sampling,analyses and data report.Results Trace artificial radioactive isotope of 131I was measured in spinach samples on 2 April 2011 in Beijing. Subsequently 131I was found in 10 kinds of growing leaves vegetables (open field)nationwide.The maximum detectable activity of 131I in vegetables was about 3.1 Bq/kg.Since 3 May 2011,the concentration of 131I has been below the detection limits.No artificial radionulide was detectable in all of milk,drinking water and marine products samples during March to December,2011.Conclusions The food and drinking water measurements in China following the Fukushima nuclear accident denoted that the minor amounts of 131I in vegetables might result in very low absorbed dose and induce no impact on human health.The maximum detectable activity of 131I in vegetables was close to that reported in European countries,and much less than that measured in China immediately after the Chernobyl accident in 1986.

Human reliability in high dose rate afterloading radiotherapy based on FMECA / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective To put forward reasonable and feasible recommendations against the procedure with relative high risk during the high dose rate (HDR) afterloading radiotherapy,so as to enhance its clinical application safety,through studying the human reliability in the process of carrying out the HDR afterloading radiotherapy.Methods Basic data were collected by on-site investigation and process analysis as well as expert evaluation.Failure mode,effect and criticality analysis (FMECA) employed to study the human reliability in the execution of HDR afierloading radiotherapy.Results The FMECA model of human reliability for HDR afterloading radiotherapy was established,through which 25 procedures with relative high risk index were found,accounting for 14.1％ of total 177 procedures.Conclusions FMECA method in human reliability study for HDR afterloading radiotherapy is feasible.The countermeasures are put forward to reduce the human error,so as to provide important basis for enhancing clinical application safety of HDR afterloading radiotherapy.

Evaluation and test of 192Ir air kerma strength for afterloading systems / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective To study the method of measuring air kerma strength of afterloading units with 192Ir source by using well type ionization chamber.MethodsThe air kerma strength of 30 afterloading units with 192Ir source was measured using 2000A electrometer and 1000 plus well type ionization chamber,and apparent activity of the source was calculated with the air kerma strength and apparent activity conversion factor.The measured activity of the source was compared with the original value of the source provided by the manufacturer,and the relevant deviation should be within ± 5%.Results Theair kerma strength of afterloding units with 192Ir sources was tested.The relevant deviation of the measured activity and the original value was within -0.1%-4.4%.Conclusions The measurement method with a well type ionization chamber is convenient and highly accurate which can be used for the test of quality control in hospitals.

Study on application of human cognition reliability model in human error in emergency response against the source blockage of high dose rate afterloading unit / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective To put forward reasonable and feasible recommendations aiming at enhancing the application safety of afterloading unit, through studying the human reliability in the emergency response against the source blockage of afterloading unit.Methods Based on the human cognition reliability model, ten operation errors during the emergency response against the source blockage of afterloading unit were analyzed and permissible time widow of emergency response operation were determined.The human error probability was calculated with the execution time of emergency response operation obtained through simulation, observation and recording.Results The operation action, relevant permissible time window and execution time were obtained with the corresponding human error probabilities in the range 0.04 - 0.27.Conclusions The human error model in emergency response against the source blockage of afterloading unit based on HCRmodel is feasible, and provides important reference basis to reduce the occurrence of potential exposure and mitigate the consequence of potential exposure.

Development of measurement method using TLD for workers occupation personally exposed to 125Ⅰ seed source in the implant / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective To explore the method for measuring and calculating both absorbed dose and effective dose received in organ and tissues of occupational workers by using TLDs for the implantation of 125Ⅰ seed sources.Methods The experiments with 60Co γ-rays were carried out for the stability.A group of TLD chips was exposed to 125Ⅰ seed sources to establish standard dose curve for air kerma.During the 125Ⅰ seed implantation, the TLD chips were pasted to 13 locations like thyroid inside and outside the lead aprons worn by occupational workers to measure average absorbed dose and calculate the absorbed doses and effectives to organs and tissues.Results For 3 cases of prostate cancers with implantation of 125Ⅰ seeds, the worker's organs and tissues received the absorbed dose 0.02 -3.80 μ Gy and effective dose 0.06- 1.81 μSv outside lead aprons and the highest absorbed dose 2.35 μ Gy and effective 0.02 μSv inside lead aprons, respectively, with more than 65.9% of rays shielded.For 3 cases of brain cancers with implantation of 125Ⅰ seeds, the workers received the absorbed dose 0.23 - 11.31 μGy and effective dose 0.88 - 4.07 μSv outside lead aprons and the highest absorbed dose 2.22 μ Gy and effective dose 0.09 μSv inside lead aprons, respectively, with more than 54.5% of rays shielded.For 3 cases of lung cancers with implantation of 125Ⅰ seeds, the workers received the absorbed dose 0.03 - 14.78 μGy and effective dose 0.35 -7.59 μSv outside lead aprons and the highest absorbed dose 4.09 μGy and effective 0.22 μSv inside lead aprons, respectively, with more than 58.4% of rays shielded.For 2 cases of mediastinum cancers with implantation of 125Ⅰseeds, the workers received the absorbed dose 0.06 - 74.91 μGy and effective dose 0.83 - 17.96 μSv outside lead aprons and the highest absorbed dose 10.29 μGy and effective 0.5 μSv inside lead aprons, respectively, with more than 85% of rays shielded.For one case of ovary cancer with implantation of 125Ⅰ seeds, the worker received the absorbed dose 0.09 - 14.29 μGy and effective dose 2.40 - 4.50 μSv outside lead aprons and the highest absorbed dose 7.77 μGy and effective 0.12 μSv inside lead aprons, respectively, with more than 34% of rays shielded.For one case of eye cancer with implantation of 125Ⅰ seeds, the workers received the absorbed dose 2.2 -39.84 μGy and effective dose 4.48 - 10.06 μSv outside aprons and the highest absorbed dose 5.19 μGy and effective 0.16 μSv inside aprons, respectively, with more than 54.6 % of rays shielded.Conclusions The method of using TLDs to measure the doses to the occupational workers in the course of the implantation of 125Ⅰ seed sources is simple and easy to operate.It would be an effective approach to protecting medical workers in the case of brachytherapy.

Failure mode, effects and criticality analysis research on human factors in clinical PET application / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective To identify the steps with potentially higher risk through the analysis of human factors in clinical PET application so as to provide the efficient measures to reduce the risk of potential exposures.Methods The basic data were obtained through field investigation, questionnaire,failure mode, risk identification, FMECA and expert's evaluation, with statistical analysis made.Comparison was made of the relative risk values of automatic encapsulation equipment and manual encapsulation ones.Results The 10 steps with potentially higher risks were identified through analyzing human factors of clinical PET application, of which 8 occurred in the phase of chemical synthesis.The measures to control risk were addressed for the steps with higher risk.The results show that the relative risk value of the clinical process with automatic encapsulation equipment was 2.28 ± 0.99 and the one with manual encapsulation equipment was 3.20 ± 2.01 ( t = 2.56, P ＜ 0.05 ), with the latter being 76% of the former.Conclusions Failure mode and FMECA are effective in risk evaluation of clinical PET application, which can provide important basis for risk control.