Effects of self-made ⁹⁰Sr applicator retainer on radiation protection in treatment of skin disease

Objective: To investigate the effects of self-made ⁹⁰Sr applicator retainer on reducing radiation doses to medical personnel and improving their health status. Methods: Self-made ⁹⁰Sr applicator retainer was used in radiation therapy instead of traditionally holding the applicator in hand. The individual annual dose equivalent, peripheral white blood cell count and lymphocyte chromosome aberration rate of medical personnel before and after the application of ⁹⁰Sr applicator retainer were analyzed comparatively. Results: The individual annual dose equivalent was significantly reduced after the application of ⁹⁰Sr applicator retainer (t=11.40, P<0.01). The peripheral white blood cell count was significantly improved after the application (t=-3.75, P<0.01). Conclusion: The application of ⁹⁰Sr applicator retainer significantly reduced individual radiation doses, improved peripheral white blood cell count and effectively protected the health of medical personnel. (authors)