Measurement of Radiation Exposure of Hands and Fingers of Nuclear Medicine Personnel Using Innovative Low-Cost GM Based System

Abstract

Pocket dosimeters are used commonly in Nuclear Medicine or radiology workers for daily dose measurement or during certain high radiation exposure procedures for short periods of time. These are expensive and have many maintenance costs. It may not be feasible to procure many at a time due to cost restraints. We designed a low cost remote dose monitoring device for measurement of radiation for short periods of time. Measuring device was constructed using micro Geiger Muller Counter. The micro-Geiger Counter with model no SBM21 was connected to high voltage circuit and the output signal was obtained. After this, output signal was sent it to Arduino circuit running custom code ESP8266 and readings was made on the mobile/ laptop application after connecting to Arduino circuit running custom code ESP8266 via internet. Readings were taken for short durations during certain periods. Readings were compared to the standard measuring instrument simultaneously. The tube was connected to their hands for hand exposure with a wire. Readings were recorded in the form of μSv/h or mSv/h. RESULT: Total readings were taken during various occasions while preparing (59) and dispensing (45) radioisotopes. During preparation of radiopharmaceuticals, average readings for 99mTc-Sestamibi[16 SAMPLE] (100mCi to 250mCi), 99mTc-MDP [21SAMPLE] (150-200mCi) and 99mTc-DTPA [22SAMPLES] (10-20mCi) were 1115 μSv/h, 3083 μSv/h and 453 μSv/h respectively. During dispensing of radiopharmaceuticals, average readings of total 15 sample each for 99mTc-Sestamibi (100mCi to 250mCi), 99mTc-MDP (150-200mCi) and 99mTc-DTPA (10-20mCi) were 351μSv/h, 209 μSv/h and 235 μSv/h respectively. It was feasible for the worker to fit the measuring device in their pocket while working. Conclusion: Our pilot study revealed accurate readings >95% of the times for short periods of time. Study designing, standardization of readings with more real time accuracy can make this method more reliable and is a low cost means to monitor short periods of radiation exposure for radiation workers.