re: dosimetry estimates

["Sandy Perle" <sandyfl@earthlink.net>]

Rob Kraken suggested that perhaps I could provide some 
information to David's question. From Rob's post, it looks like I've 
been recently demoted. Hope that's not the case :>

David's question doesn't have a specific answer. The factors are 
many. Considerations such as the types of radionuclides used and 
the activity of the radionuclide, the tehnician's technique in handling 
the radionuclide (orientation of the dosimeter appropriate for the 
technique), the type of extremity dosimeter (ring or wrist 
dosimeter), the type of element in the ring dosimeter, the algorithm 
used (is there specific correction applied for photon energy, beta 
energy, fade correction, background subtraction, etc.). If the facility 
performs a larger amount of procedures using I-131, the doses 
generally tend to be higher. If the typical choice of radionuclides is 
Tc-99m, the doses tend to be a bit lower. All of these factors need 
to be assessed and each one results in a specific dose estimate 
plus the confidence interval in that assessment.

While there is no specific answer, there is a large database of SDE-
ME provided to clients. I can say that generally, typical monthly 
dose reports display SDE-ME averaging between 50 to 150 
mrem/month. A smaller population range in the mid 100's (200 to 
500 mrem/month) and rarely are these dose > 1 rem (although they 
do occur). As stated above, the type of radionuclide makes a big 
difference in the dose received at the finger or wrist.

The best answer would come from facilities that perform specific 
procedures, and, where there is a large number of doses reported 
over a long period of time. Hopefully some of those facilities can 
provide the information David asked for. I hope that some of my 
information is helpful as well.

Rob Kraken stated the following:

> You might check with a good dosimetry vendor like ICN 
pharmaceuticlas in Costa Mesa,CA  @ 1-714-545-0100  ask for 
Sandy Perle-asst technical director.  I'm sure he could provide
common doses received from ring dosimeters etc.. RobK 
honolulu@u1st.com< 

Engelbretson, David A. wrote:

> Would anyone know of some good resources that describe dose 
> estimates to hands and fingers from handling nuclear medicine
> radiopharmaceuticals?

> Thank you for your help.
>
> David Engelbretson, MS
> Asst. RSO
> Methodist Hospital
> Houston, Texas

-----------------------
Sandy Perle
Technical Director
ICN Dosimetry Division
3300 Hyland Avenue
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(800) 548-5100 x2306
(714) 668-3149 Fax

sperle@icnpharm.com
sandyfl@earthlink.net


ICN Dosimetry Website:  http://www.dosimetry.com
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