title: Sentinel lymph node technique for breast cancer: radiation safety issues.
abstract: The radiation safety issues in the application of radioguided sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy are discussed, particularly the effective dose (ED) for patients undergoing lymphoscintigraphy by taking into account both the internal emission and the external transmission dose. The quantitative result can be compared with other common radiological examinations. Whole body and finger doses of surgical and pathology staff were determined by direct measurement using high-sensitivity thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) and compared with the annual dose limits recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). These dosimetric observations for personnel also provide reference information to implement guidelines for the safe handling, storage, and transport of radioactive specimens at all stages of the radioguided surgery effort in order to maintain good work practices while dealing with unsealed radioactive substances.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital.
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Law
authors.forename: Louis W C
authors.initials: LW
authors.lastname: Chow
authors.forename: Ava
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kwong
authors.forename: C K
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Lam
mesh_terms: D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D009367:Neoplasm Staging / Q000379:methods; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000592:standards; D010340:Pathology, Surgical / Q000592:standards*; D011874:Radiometry; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D021701:Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy / Q000379:methods*; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000592:standards
chemical_list: D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals