Work history and radioprotection practices in relation to cancer incidence and mortality in US radiologic technologists performing nuclear medicine procedures

Occupational exposure to radiation among health workers: Genome integrity and predictors of exposure

The current study aimed to investigate genomic instabilities in healthcare workers who may experience varying levels of radiation exposure through various radiological procedures. It also sought to determine if factors related to the work environment and dosimeter reading could effectively explain the observed genomic instabilities. Utilizing the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay (CBMN) on peripheral blood lymphocytes, we assessed a spectrum of genomic aberrations, including nucleoplasmic bridge (NPB), nuclear budding (NBUD), micronucleus (MN) formation, and total DNA damage (TDD). The study uncovered a statistically significant increase in the occurrence of distinct DNA anomalies among radiology workers (with a significance level of P < 0.0001 for all measurements). Notably, parameters such as total working hours, average work duration, and time spent in projection radiography exhibited significant correlations with MN and TDD levels in these workers. The dosimeter readings demonstrated a positive correlation with the frequency of NPB and NBUD, indicating a substantial association between radiation exposure and these two genomic anomalies. Our multivariable models identified the time spent in projection radiography as a promising parameter for explaining the overall genomic instability observed in these professionals. Thus, while dosimeters alone may not fully explain elevated total DNA damage, intrinsic work environment factors hold potential in indicating exposure levels for these individuals, providing a complementary approach to monitoring.

Evaluation of personal dose equivalents during positron emission tomography and computed tomography imaging

This study aimed to evaluate the annual occupational radiation exposure of technologists during PET/CT imaging in 2020 and 2021. Eleven nuclear medicine technologists were monitored at the PET/CT department. The personal dose equivalents (PDEs) for staff members, measured in terms of Hp (10) and Hp (0.07), were assessed annually, considering both deep and surface doses. PDEs were quantified using a thermoluminescent detector (LiF:Mg:Ti)). The average and range of PDEs and extremity doses (mSv) for the technologists were as follows: 4.5 (0.1-13.4) for Hp (10), 4.63 (0.1-13.9) for Hp (0.07), and 2.5 (0.2-17.5) for extremity, respectively. The results indicated that staff members are exposed to high-energy gamma rays while preparing radiopharmaceuticals, injections, and image acquisition. Therefore, proper handling of radiopharmaceuticals and patient management during the acquisition of parameters are crucial for maintaining the occupational dose within the defined limit.

The Effectiveness of Ionized Water as a Radiodecontaminant for 99mTc-Pertechnetate and 131I

Immediate and complete decontamination procedures are essential to restore the functionality, precision, accuracy, and safety of tests done within the nuclear medicine facility. Decontamination is a simple procedure that, if performed correctly, effectively reduces exposure brought about by spills. The determination of a suitable radiodecontaminant may be beneficial in decontaminating patient beds, collimators, probes, and machines. Methods: Two surface types (i.e., stainless steel and vinyl) were contaminated with a predetermined activity of 99mTcO4 and 131I. After air drying, static images of the contaminated surfaces were obtained using a γ-camera to determine the activity counts on each surface before and after decontamination procedures. Different decontaminant contact times (i.e., 5, 10, and 15 min) were used for each decontaminant (i.e., ionized water, 10% bleach, detergent solution, a negative control [no treatment], and a positive control [a commercial radiodecontaminant]). Differences between the effectiveness of ionized water and the other decontaminants against 99mTcO4 and 131I at different contact times were measured, and the mean percentage activity removed (%AR) was compared using 2-way ANOVA at the 0.05 level of significance. Results: 99mTcO4 and 131I contaminants had %ARs of greater than 80% after 5 min of contact time for ionized water and the other decontaminants. At 15 min contact time, ionized water was not as effective as the other decontaminating agents for 131I on vinyl surfaces. There was no significant interaction between the effects of the decontaminants (%AR) and the contact times with stainless steel and vinyl for either 99mTcO4 or 131I. Conclusion: For 99mTcO4 and 131I on stainless steel surfaces, ionized water is an effective decontaminant at contact times of 5, 10, and 15 min. For 99mTcO4 on vinyl surfaces, ionized water is also an effective decontaminant at contact times of 5, 10, and 15 min. For 131I on vinyl surfaces, ionized water is as effective as 10% bleach, detergent solution, and a commercial radiodecontaminant at contact times of 5 and 10 min.

Chromosomal damage in occupationally exposed health professionals assessed by two cytogenetic methods

The study assessed occupationally induced chromosomal damage in hospital personnel at risk of exposure to antineoplastic drugs and/or low doses of ionizing radiation by two cytogenetic methods. Cultured peripheral blood lymphocytes of eighty-five hospital workers were examined twice over 2 to 3 years by classical chromosomal aberration analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization. The comparison of the 1^st and the 2^nd sampling of hospital workers showed a significant increase in chromatid and chromosomal aberrations (all p < .05) examined by classical chromosomal aberration analysis, and in unstable aberrations (all p < .05) detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Both cytogenetic methods were able to detect an increase of unstable aberrations in the 2^nd sampling. The raised frequency of unstable cytogenetic parameters suggested higher recent exposure to genotoxic agents.

Health-related quality of life among radiology technicians in Turkish hospitals: a cross sectional study

BACKGROUND

Health related quality of life (HRQoL), despite its potential bi-directional interaction with occupational risks, has not been extensively addressed among radiology technicians.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate HRQoL among radiology technicians in relation to sociodemographic and occupational factors.

METHODS

A total of 115 radiology technicians who were employed in three big hospitals located in Istanbul province were included on a voluntary basis in this cross sectional questionnaire-based study conducted between June 2019 and August 2019. The questionnaire form elicited items on socio-demographic characteristics, occupational characteristics and the 36-item Short-form Health Survey (SF-36), respectively.

RESULTS

Overall, 94.8% of technicians confirmed previous training on radiation protection and safety, while 92.2% noted distrust in their knowledge on radiation protection and patient dosage. In addition, 47.8% of technicians noted seldom use of radiation protection measures and 55.7% noted distrust in reliability of radiation exposure measurements. The multiple regression analysis revealed that older age, female gender, working at a university hospital and seldom use of protection significantly predicted poor HRQoL (p = 0.042 to 0.001), while working in interventional radiology and having trust in radiation exposure measurements predicted better HRQoL (p = 0.006 to 0.001) in terms of certain domains.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, our findings revealed lack of trust in current self-knowledge on radiation protection and safety by majority of radiology technicians and seldom use of radiation protection measures by half of them, despite previously trained on radiation protection and safety. Certain occupational factors and factors related to radiation protection and safety were also amongst the significant determinants of poor HRQoL.

Job satisfaction and perceived stress among radiology technicians: a questionnaire survey in relation to sociodemographic and occupational risk factors

PURPOSE

To evaluate job satisfaction and perceived stress among radiology technicians in relation to sociodemographic and occupational risk factors.

METHODS

A total of 207 radiology technicians were included in this questionnaire-based study. The questionnaire elicited items on sociodemographic and occupational characteristics along with Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ) and Perceived Stress (PSS) scales to assess job satisfaction and the perceived stress, respectively.

RESULTS

Multivariate analysis revealed that more years in practice (B: - 4.80, BCa 95% CI - 7.26 to - 2.47), being uncomfortable with working in a radiation environment (B: - 6.30, BCa 95% CI - 9.62 to - 2.61) and the use of public transport to get to work (B: - 3.62, BCa 95% CI - 6.53 to - 1.03) were significant predictors of poorer job satisfaction, whereas break time (B: 8.54, BCa 95% CI 4.63-12.14) and following scientific literature (B: 8.32, BCa 95% CI 3.37-12.89) significantly predicted the better job satisfaction. Being satisfied with the current job (p < 0.015) and high-income class (p = 0.005) were associated with lower perceived stress levels, while higher perceived stress level (B: - 0.48, BCa 95% CI - 0.66 to - 0.32) was also a significant predictor of poorer job satisfaction.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, our findings revealed job satisfaction and perceived stress of radiology technicians to be at moderate levels and to be negatively correlated with each other. Our findings emphasize the importance of continuing education, in-service refresh training and continuing practice of regularly updating self-knowledge along with balance workload, income and safety at work to improve job satisfaction among radiology technicians.

Knowledge, practice and emotional status related to COVID-19 pandemic among radiology technicians working at pandemic hospitals

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate knowledge, attitude, practice and emotional and psychological concerns related to COVID-19 pandemic among radiology technicians working at pandemic hospitals across Turkey METHODS: A total of 228 radiology technicians working at pandemic hospitals across Turkey were included on a voluntary basis in this questionnaire-based online survey The questionnaire form elicited items on socio-demographic and occupational characteristics and personal opinions and experience on COVID-19 outbreak and related protective strategies, along with survey scales including Knowledge on COVID-19 Outbreak Scale (KCS), Knowledge on Protective Strategies for COVID-19 Scale (KPSCS), General Preventive Practices for COVID-19 Scale (GPPCS), Emotional State Scale (ESS) and Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCS).

RESULTS

Males had lower ESS (p = 0.004) scores and higher FCS (p = 0.026) scores than females. Having a COVID-19 training (63.4 %) was associated with higher KCS (p = 0.006) and PSCS (p < 0.001) scores, while higher KCS was also related with higher PSCS (p < 0.001) and GPPCS (p < 0.0001) and lower ESS (p = 0.004) scores. Those who had knowledge on the facility safety (56.6 %) and risk management (59.2 %) plans had higher scores on KCS, PSCS, GPPCS and FCS, while had lower scores on ESS (p < 0.05 for each).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings revealed association of female gender, co-morbid psychiatric disease, lack of training unawareness of safety and risk management plans, lack of experience in COVID-19 imaging and high workload with higher risk of poor emotional state and/or intense fear of the disease among radiology technicians during pandemic.

Occupational radiation exposure of health professionals and cancer risk assessment for Lithuanian nuclear medicine workers

BACKGROUND

Reconstruction and analysis of low doses received by the occupationally exposed medical radiation workers, especially nuclear medicine staff dealing with radioisotopes may significantly contribute to the understanding of radiation impact on individuals, assess and predict radiation related risks for the development of cancer or other specific diseases.

METHODS

A pool of 2059 annual effective doses corresponding to 272 job's positions occupied by nuclear medicine and radiology workers for a certain time period over 26 years in five Lithuanian hospitals was investigated in order to analyze the occupational exposure tendencies to medical staff. Requested data, measured in terms of whole body dose, personal dose equivalent Hp(10), was obtained from the National Register of Sources of Ionizing Radiation and Occupational Exposure. Considering that nuclear medicine staff is dealing with open sources/radioisotopes, doses to extremities, Hp(0.07), were measured using thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD) of LiF:Mg, Ti type. Lifetime risk estimations for the development of specific cancer (thyroid cancer and leukemia) for exposed radiation workers were performed using risk models included in BEIR VII report (BEIR VII, 2006). The conservative assessment of the thyroid exposure was performed using RadRAT 4.1.1 tool.

RESULTS

Doses to radiology technologists and radiology nurses were found to be highest over the years. However, their annual doses never exceeded dose limit of 20 mSv and were following the same decreasing tendency as the doses of other personnel. There was no increase of doses to nuclear medicine staff observed after installation of two new PET/CT machines, indicating increased radiation protection culture and application of relevant technical and protective measures by the staff. Measured fingertip doses were 2-3 times higher than the hand doses measured with TLD ring and were dependent on the type and frequency of the nuclear medicine examination procedure and on the type and activity of isotopes used for examination.

CONCLUSIONS

For the first time, retrospective dose evaluation for the cohort of medical radiation workers was performed in the country. It enabled estimation of lifetime attributable risk for the development of two cancer types: thyroid and leukemia cancer among occupationally exposed medical radiation staff. Projected risk was low, ~10^-5, however it was found that the risk of thyroid cancer for female staff was 5.7 times higher than for the males. Obtained results will be used for the predictive assessment of possible radiation induced health effects to occupationally exposed medical radiation workers.