EVALUATION OF ANNUAL RADIATION EXPOSURE OF STAFF IN A CARDIAC CATHETERIZATION DEPARTMENT IN SAUDI ARABIA.

The objective of this study is to estimate the annual effective dose for cardiologists and nurses by measuring Hp(10) and Hp(0.07) during cardiac catheterization procedures. A total of 16 staffs members were working in interventional cardiology during 1 year at a tertiary hospital. The occupational dose was measured using calibrated thermo-luminescent dosemeters (TLD-100, LiF:Mg,Ti). The overall mean and range of the annual Hp(10) and Hp(0.07) (mSv) for cardiologists were 3.7 (0.13-14.5) and 3.2 (0.21-14.7), respectively. Cardiologists were frequently exposed to higher doses compared with nurses and technologists. The exposure showed wide variations, which depend on occupation and workload. Staff is adhered to radiation protection guidelines regarding shielding the trunk, thyroid shield, thus appropriately protected. Lens dose measurement is recommended to ensure that dose limit is not exceeded.

ASSESSMENT OF PATIENT'S RADIATION EXPOSURES RESULTED FROM PET/CT 18F-FCH AND 68GA-PSMA PROCEDURES.

This study has sought to evaluate patient exposures during the course of particular diagnostic positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET/CT) techniques. A total of 73 patients were examined using two types of radiopharmaceutical: 18F-fluorocholine (FCH, 48 patients) and 68Ga-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA, 25 patients). The mean and range of administered activity (AA) in MBq, and effective dose (mSv) for FCH were 314.4 ± 61.6 (462.5-216.8) and 5.9 ± 1.2 (8.8-4.11), respectively. Quoted in the same set of units, the mean and range of AA and effective dose for 68Ga-PSMA were 179.3 ± 92.3 (603.1-115.1) and 17.9 ± 9.2 (60.3-11.5). Patient effective doses from 18F-FCH being a factor of two greater than the dose resulting from 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT procedures. CT accounts for some 84 and 23% for 18F-FCH and 68Ga-PSMA procedures, accordingly CT acquisition parameter optimization is recommended. Patient doses have been found to be slightly greater than previous studies.