Radiotechnologists and Radiation Exposure from PET and PET/CT Systems

PET, PET/CT 방사선 종사자의 피폭 관련요인

  • Park, Hoon-Hee (Department of Radiology, Shingu University) ;
  • Rhie, Jeong-Bae (Department of Preventive Medicine-Institute for Occupational Health, College of Medicine, Yonsei University) ;
  • Jung, Pil-Kyun (Graduate School of Public Health Yonsei University) ;
  • Lee, Jong-Doo (Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, Yonsei University Health System) ;
  • Won, Jong-Uk (Department of Preventive Medicine-Institute for Occupational Health, College of Medicine, Yonsei University) ;
  • Roh, Jae-Hoon (Department of Preventive Medicine-Institute for Occupational Health, College of Medicine, Yonsei University)
  • 박훈희 (신구대학교 방사선과) ;
  • 이정배 (연세대학교 의과대학 예방의학교실-산업보건연구소) ;
  • 정필균 (연세대학교 보건대학원) ;
  • 이종두 (연세대학교 의과대학 세브란스병원 영상의학과교실 핵의학과) ;
  • 원종욱 (연세대학교 의과대학 예방의학교실-산업보건연구소) ;
  • 노재훈 (연세대학교 의과대학 예방의학교실-산업보건연구소)
  • Received : 2011.09.29
  • Accepted : 2012.02.28
  • Published : 2012.03.31

Abstract

Objectives: In this study, radiotechnologists who work performing PET and PET/CT methodologies were analyzed in order to find the cause for the differences in radiation exposure as they applied to general characteristics, work characteristics, knowledge, and exposure recognition or conduct. Methods: From April $15^{th}$, 2010 to May $14^{th}$, 2010, we conducted a retrospective analysis on 80 radiotechnologists using data garnered from their individual general characteristics, work characteristics, knowledge, and exposure recognition or conduct. Their average annual radiation exposure dosages were measured using a thermoluminescence dosimeter. A multiple regression analysis was performed as a statistical tool. Results: Regarding the general PET and PET/CT characteristics, when the work experience was short, the exposure dose was higher. The factors of age, marriage, work experience in nuclear medicine, PET, PET/CT, and sex were found to have statistically significant effects. The knowledge, recognition, and conduct factors for the radiotechnologists were affected by unsecure radiation exposure at the moment of carrying, unsecure radiation exposure at the moment of injection, the application of protection at the moment of injection, and the use of auto distributor. It was found that, the use of an auto distributor, efforts in reducing the radiation exposure, unsecure exposure when with a patient, and the application of protective procedures at the moment of injection affected the overall factor of radiotechnologists radiation exposure dose. Conclusions: We believe that if radiotechnologists would reduce their radiation exposure by using auto distributors, make efforts to reduce the chance of exposure, and be conscious of radiation, they would be able to reduce the radiation exposure dose even during unavoidable circumstances.

목적: 본 연구는 핵의학 분야의 PET, PET/CT 종사자의 특성에 따라 방사선 피폭 선량의 차이가 있는지 분석하고, 방사선 피폭 선량의 차이가 어떤 요인에 의한 것인지 규명하는 것이 목적이다. 방법: 2010년 4월 15일부터 1개월간 PET, PET/CT 방사선종사자 80명을 대상으로 일반적 특성, 근무 특성, 지식, 인식 및 행태를 조사하고, 열형광선량계를 이용하여 연 피폭선량을 측정하였다. 피폭 관련 요인은 단계별 다중회귀분석을 실시하여 파악하였다. 결과: 방사선 종사자의 피폭선량과 관련된 지식수준, 인식수준, 행태수준별 요인중에서 인식수준과 행태수준의 인자에서 방사선 종사자의 피폭선량을 낮추는 것이 유의한 의미가 있었다. 그리고 전체모형에서 방사선 종사자의 피폭선량에 관련된 요인으로 분배 시 자동분배기 사용 여부, 방사선 노출감소 노력, 환자 접촉 시 피폭 불안감, 이동 시 보호 장구 착용, 주사 시 보호 장구 착용 여부였고, 위의 순서로 방사선 종사자의 피폭선량에 대한 영향력이 컸다. 결론: PET, PET/CT 방사선 종사자는 가급적 자동분배기를 사용하고, 방사선 노출을 감소하려는 노력을 적극적으로 하며, 환자 접촉 시 보다 방사선 피폭에 대해 경각심을 가지고 일을 한다면, 업무 상 불가피하게 발생되는 방사선 피폭의 저감에 도움이 될 것이다.

Keywords