Bioingeniøren (May 2011)
Use of personal protective equipment among technologists in Norwegian nuclear medicine departments
Abstract
Background: The aim was to investigate to which extent protective equipment is used by the technologists at Norwegian departments of nuclear medicine and if this is depending on age, gender and education. Material and Methods: An electronic questionnaire, including questions about age, sex, education, experience, radiation protection training and use of personal protective equipment, was emailed to 113 technologists. Data were statistically analyzed by SPSS. Results: Lead aprons, syringe shields and vial shields were available at all departments, while 70% had thyroid protection. 61%, 26% and 7% always used lead apron in hot lab, during injection and acquisition respectively. 65% never used thyroid protection. Syringe shield was always used by 92% in hot lab, and 83% during injection. Conclusion: All respondents had received training in radiation protection. Personal dosimeters are used, and the results are known. The availability of protective devises is generally good. The youngest group of female technologists used lead apron more frequently than the others. There were no differences between radiographers and biomedical laboratory scientist. Thyroid protection is not widely used, even though this is a good means of reducing effective dose.
