title: An evaluation of the shielding effectiveness of lead aprons used in clinics for protection against ionising radiation from novel radioisotopes.
abstract: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of personal radiation shields currently worn in hospital and other diagnostic environments. This study was performed with four different radioisotopes; (18)F, (99m)Tc, (124)I and (131)I. (18)F results showed a decrease in dose with 0.5-mm Pb shielding but the reduction provided does not warrant its use clinically. (124)I testing demonstrated that dose enhancement can occur in greater shield thicknesses. PET isotope (124)I can be adequately shielded using 0.25-mm Pb equivalent aprons but any higher thickness increase the wearer's dose. As a result more shielding does not always equal more protection. The (131)I test showed that no dose reduction occurred, even when tested with up to 1.25-mm Pb equivalent shielding. Novel radioisotopes being used in the laboratory and clinic should be individually tested as each requires specific shielding testing.
authors.affiliation: School of Medical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campus, Victoria 3083, Australia pradip.deb@rmit.edu.au.
authors.forename: Pradip
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Deb
authors.affiliation: Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne 8006, Australia.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Jamison
authors.affiliation: Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia.
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mong
authors.affiliation: Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: U
mesh_terms: D005462:Fluorine Radioisotopes; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes; D007854:Lead / Q000737:chemistry*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography / Q000009:adverse effects; D011481:Protective Clothing; D011482:Protective Devices; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011835:Radiation Protection / Q000379:methods*; D011839:Radiation, Ionizing; D013667:Technetium
chemical_list: D005462:Fluorine Radioisotopes; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes; D007854:Lead; D013667:Technetium