Occupational and ambient radiation dose monitoring in a nuclear medicine department

Monitoring radiation doses is critical for safety in nuclear medicine (NM) departments. This study assessed personal and ambient radiation doses during routine NM procedures and compliance with International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) limits at the new NM department of Abu Ali Sina Hospital, Shiraz, Iran. Between March and April 2024, 500 procedures involving 99mTc and 131I were performed. Personal dose equivalents Hp(10), Hp(3), and Hp(0.07) were measured for staff using calibrated TLD-100 dosemeters. Ambient doses were monitored across the department. Measured doses included 11.19 mSv (fingers), 14.62 mSv (hands), 0.11 mSv (whole body), and 0.03 mSv (eye lens), with Technologist 2 showing the highest hand dose. Ambient monitoring showed the highest dose rate (1.19 μSv/h) in the waiting area near the hot lab, mainly from post-injection patients. While all doses remained within ICRP limits, the findings indicate the need for improved shielding and optimized workflow to minimize extremity and environmental exposure.