Radiation load in health professionals during examination of the sentinel node
Authors:
J. Golisová 1; M. Nakládalová 2
Authors‘ workplace:
Klinika nukleární medicíny FN Ostrava, přednosta MUDr. Otakar Kraft, Ph. D.
1; Klinika pracovního lékařství LF UP a FN Olomouc, přednosta doc. MUDr. Marie Nakládalová, Ph. D.
2
Published in:
Pracov. Lék., 61, 2009, No. 3, s. 109-112.
Category:
Original Papers
Overview
Lymphatic mapping is a relatively new procedure in diagnostics and therapy of some oncological diseases. Detection and marking so called sentinel node is undertaken using an application of radioactive coloid into the tumour tissue. The visualized node is consequently surgically removed and examined. Health professionals are exposed to ionizing radiation at all steps – from lymphoscintigraphy to histological examination of the node. The aim of the study was to measure and evaluate the radiation load of health professionals during these activities. The followed-up sample comprised 100 members of health staff of the department of nuclear mediciny, surgical teams and pathological anatomy. Measurements were undertaken during activities related to interventions on the sentil node in selected types of malignant diseases. The whole body radiation load was measured using an electronic personal dosemeter Isotrak with the possibility of immediate reading of values. The follow-up parameter was the dose equivalent Hp(10). Measured values of the dose equivalent Hp(10) were reaching maximally 6 ĶSv. The conclusion is that the level of radiation load of all follow-up health professionals is very low. However, it is necessary to consider factors which may influence measured values, e. g. applied activity of radiopharmacon, length of particular activites, physical half-life of radionuclids and related timing of a surgical intervention. Measurements proved that radiation load of all exposed professionals was minimal. Concerning the health care of employees we consider appropriate that all exposed employees are regularly and adequately educated on working procedures and safety measures in order to ensure safety and protection of health at work in relation to ionizing radiation.
Key words:
sentinel node, ionizing radiation, radionuclids, radiation load, radiation protection
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