title: A database management system for radiation safety program activities.
abstract: The Database Management System includes a data retrieval system for most aspects of the radiation safety program at our institution. Originally, this program was designed to simplify the retrieval of data related to radioisotope use at the institution. After several modifications and changes, the present system is more elaborate and uses current commercial software, which is more readily available to the entire university and hospital community. The data included in the database are radioactive material receipts and inventory; radioisotope waste inventory and disposal; quarterly laboratory inspection results; contamination (wipe tests) results and instrument inventory and calibration; and support staff training. Both the authorized users and the Radiation Safety Office personnel maintain records independently using the same format, which makes for easy comparison and verification. Data for and from laboratory inspections are readily accessed, analyzed, and reported. The system allows for modifications as necessitated by changes in local and federal regulations or in-house policies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Howard University Hospital, 2041 Georgia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20060, USA. mmcketty@howard.edu
authors.forename: Marlene H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: McKetty
authors.forename: Diana M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Roach
authors.forename: Mitiku
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kelkay
mesh_terms: D003628:Database Management Systems; D016208:Databases, Factual; D004869:Equipment Safety / Q000379:methods; D006751:Hospital Information Systems; D006785:Hospitals, University; D016247:Information Storage and Retrieval / Q000379:methods*; D008283:Maintenance / Q000379:methods*; D011835:Radiation Protection / Q000379:methods*; D011868:Radioisotopes; D017751:Safety Management / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012984:Software; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D011868:Radioisotopes