Tools for Optimization of Radiation Protection in Radiology, Radiotherapy, and other Nuclear Medicine Applications

Nuclear medicine is a relatively new field of expertise with not much widespread understanding of the associated potentially detrimental implications of its use. The use of ionizing radiation in nuclear medicine procedures requires careful monitoring and management. The training of medical personnel mainly focuses on effective use of nuclear technology as part of other medical procedures with not much detail on associated radiation hazards. These aspects are essential especially when establishing a new facility with limited experience on application of procedures. The use of ionizing radiation in medical procedures is beneficial to human health, but compliance with appropriate requirements is necessary to ensure safe use and effectiveness of procedures. Medical practitioners must comply with relevant requirements and regulatory personnel must verify these aspects through established inspection and monitoring programs. The reduction of doses is a key aspect of radiation protection but this is not always the best approach in medical applications. Radiation therapy requires high radiation doses to be effective. Fractionation should therefore be used in a manner that ensures effectiveness of procedures and patient protection. Diagnostic reference levels should be implemented in a way that not only ensures the diagnostic effectiveness of procedures but also considers patient protection.