title: Parathyroid adenoma radiation dose simulator.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  As the number of radioisotope localization cases increased at our facility, the pathologists expressed concern regarding radiation exposure from parathyroid specimens. The radiation safety officer was consulted to analyze personnel radiation protection issues.
  
  
  METHODS
  Analysis of simulated specimens was performed for a range of activities and masses corresponding to the values that have been observed. The radiation dose rates from these samples were measured using a Ludlum Model 14C survey meter with a Model 44-38 energy compensated GM probe and a Ludlum Model 3 Geiger counter with a Model 44-9 "pancake" style GM probe (Ludlum Measurements, Inc., Sweetwater, Texas). Additionally, 3 consecutive 10-second counts were performed using a USSC Navigator Gamma Guidance System (United States Surgical Corporation, Norwalk, CT). The per-second average readings were recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Our sample count-rates ranged from 139 to 2,830 counts/second. The majority of these values fell within the 100 to 1,000 count/second range typically observed during surgery. Based on our sample set, our dose rates at contact with these samples ranged from 0.17 to 4.0 mR/hour depending on the instrument, sample activity, and sample volume. The variation between count rate and dose rate for each observed volume varied linearly with activity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Based on these observed radiation doses, we concluded that there is no need to hold parathyroid specimens for 24 to 48 hours after surgical removal for handling because the typical radiation doses are quite low and would not result in significant radiation exposure to pathology personnel.
authors.affiliation: Radiation Safety Office, Department of Radiology, Marshfield Clinic, Marshfield, Wisconsin 54449, USA.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gough
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Anliker
authors.forename: Michael E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Spieth
authors.forename: Darcy L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Kasner
mesh_terms: D000236:Adenoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D010282:Parathyroid Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*; D010338:Pathology, Clinical / Q000592:standards; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011835:Radiation Protection; D011874:Radiometry / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D012449:Safety
chemical_list: D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals