Assessment of occupational exposure from shielded and unshielded syringes for clinically relevant positron emission tomography (PET) isotopes-a Monte Carlo approach using EGSnrc

F-18 has been the most widely used radionuclide in positron emission tomography (PET) facilities over the last few decades. However, increased interest in novel PET tracers, theranostics and immuno-PET has led to significant growth in clinically used positron-emitting radionuclides. The decay schemes of each of these radioisotopes are markedly different from F-18, with different endpoint energies for the emitted positrons and, in some cases, additional high energy gamma radiation. This has implications for the occupational exposure of personnel involved in the manipulation and dispensing of PET radiopharmaceuticals. The EGSnrc Monte Carlo simulation software was used to estimate the doses to extremities in contact with unshielded and shielded syringes containing Cu-64, F-18, C-11, N-13, O-15, Ga-68 and Zr-89, respectively. Dose rates at various distances from the syringe were also modelled, with dose rates reported in terms of eye (Hp(3)), skin equivalent (Hp(0.07)) and deep (Hp(10)) doses. The composition and geometry of the simulated syringe shields were based on a selection of commercially available PET shields. Experimental dose rate measurements were performed for validation purposes where possible. Contact skin dose rates for all isotopes, except for Cu-64, were found to be higher than F-18 for the unshielded syringe. The addition of a shield resulted in approximately equal contact skin dose rates for nearly all isotopes, for each shield type, with the exception of Zr-89 which was notably higher. Dose rate constants (mu Gy/MBq.hr) for a range of PET isotopes and shields are presented and their significance discussed.

Automated summary

This study investigated occupational exposure of personnel manipulating PET radiopharmaceuticals, and evaluated radiation doses to extremities from different radioisotopes in unshielded and shielded syringes. Results showed that contact skin dose rates for most isotopes were similar, except for Zr-89 which had significantly higher dose rates.