Nuclear Medicine Safety Quiz

Disposable gloves should be worn at all times while handling radioactive materials to protect oneself from potential radiation exposure. These gloves act as a barrier between the radioactive material and the skin, preventing direct contact and reducing the risk of contamination. Wearing gloves is a standard safety practice in handling hazardous materials, including radioactive substances, to ensure the well-being of the individual handling them.

Before administering a dose to a patient, it is important to follow several proper steps. These steps include assaying the patient dose in the dose calibrator to ensure accurate measurement, confirming that the dose is the proper nuclide to be administered, checking the patient's name and identification to avoid any mix-ups, and verifying the dosage and chemical form of the medication to ensure it is appropriate for the patient. Therefore, all of the above steps should be taken before administering a dose to a patient.

All of the mentioned activities are not allowed in the Nuclear Medicine Lab where radioactive materials are used or stored. Eating and drinking can lead to contamination of the food or drink and ingestion of radioactive materials. Applying lipstick or makeup can contaminate the products and potentially spread radioactive materials. Smoking can release radioactive particles into the air and cause inhalation of radioactive materials. Storage of personal effects can also lead to contamination and spread of radioactive materials. Therefore, all of these activities are prohibited in the Nuclear Medicine Lab.

Finger badges are small radiation monitoring devices that are worn on the finger by nuclear medicine technologists to measure their exposure to radiation. These badges are designed to detect and measure the amount of radiation that the technologist is exposed to during their work with radioactive materials. Wearing finger badges is an important safety measure in nuclear medicine to ensure that technologists are not exposed to excessive levels of radiation. Therefore, it is true that finger badges are to be worn by nuclear medicine technologists.

A.L.A.R.A. stands for "As Low As Reasonably Achievable" in regard to Nuclear Medicine. This term refers to the principle of minimizing radiation exposure to patients, healthcare workers, and the general public during nuclear medicine procedures. It emphasizes the use of appropriate shielding, equipment, and techniques to reduce radiation doses to the lowest level that is reasonably achievable without compromising the diagnostic or therapeutic benefit of the procedure. By following the ALARA principle, the risks associated with radiation exposure can be minimized while still obtaining the necessary medical information or treatment.

Dr. M. Ziaee is the Radiation Safety Officer at Missouri Delta Medical Center.