Newsletter 29

QA and optimisation in diagnostic radiology – a multi-disciplinary task: How to build a regional service to implement ALARA

Anne Catrine Traegde Martinsen, Hilde Kjernlie Saether (The Interventional Centre, Oslo University Hospital, Norway) Introduction Over the last 30 years, the technological developments in radiology and nuclear medicine have been tremendous, and therefore technological competence in the hospitals is demanded more than ever. In future, the need for technologists in hospitals will further increase, since […]

The use of resolution recovery software in nuclear medicine from an ALARA perspective

Steve Ebdon-Jackson (HPA, UK) Background Nuclear Medicine imaging relies on the tracer principle first established in 1913 by Georg de Hevesy. It is used to demonstrate physiological processes and involves the administration of a small amount of a radioactive material to the patient which then distributes within the body and accumulates in particular areas or […]

ALARA in Handling of Beta-Emitters – Measurement Techniques and Optimisation

Ilona Barth, Arndt Rimpler (BfS, Germany) Introduction In nuclear medicine unsealed beta radiation sources are being used increasingly. They are used for diagnostics with positron emission tomography (PET) as well as for therapy of tumours by radioimmunotherapy (RIT) with labelled antibodies (e. g. 90Y Zevalin®) or by peptide receptor radiotherapy (PRRT) with 177Lu- or 90Y-labelled […]

German recommendations on self-referred asymptomatic patients

Dr. Birgit Keller, (Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, Germany) As in other industrialised countries, many people in Germany are increasingly interested in the early detection of diseases. There is a general growing awareness of health issues in the population and, as a consequence, the urge to lead a healthier lifestyle. […]

How « do’s » and « dont’s » can be of significant importance in radiation protection: A case report

Anders Widmark1,2, Eva Godske Friberg1 NRPA, Norway Gjoevik University College, Norway Note: This article has already been published in Radiation Protection Dosimetry. Oxford University Press Rightlinks licence 2756401364488 Introduction The risk for deterministic effects is a potential problem in interventional radiology, and especially when the procedures are performed outside a Radiology department [1]. Cardiology departments […]

« ALARA and the Medical Sector » Summary and Recommendations of the 13th EAN Workshop

Peter Shaw (HPA, UK), Pascal Croüail (CEPN, France) Themes and issues arising The international scene-setting presentations clearly highlighted the very substantial radiation exposures associated with the medical sector – in terms of individual and collective doses, for both patients and staff. These are increasing significantly: the average per caput doses in some European countries from […]