Radiation Safety in Nuclear Medicine. A Practical, Concise Guide

Basic Physics in Radiation Safety.- Essential Equipment in Radiation Safety.- Radiation Units and Absorbed Dose.- Radiation Protection.- Radiation Exposure.- Regulatory Framework for Radiation Protection.- Medical Uses of Radioactive Materials.- Training and Experience of Personnel.- Emergency Procedures.- Radioactive Waste Disposal.- Biological Effects of Radiation.- Transportation of Radioactive Material.

This book is a collection of all pertinent information on radiation safety applicable in nuclear medicine and research using radioactive materials. Radiation exposure causes harm to humans and is strictly controlled by several regulatory authorities (NRC, FDA, EPA, DOT, etc). The practice of nuclear medicine involves the use of radioactive materials in patients and research, and is well regulated by these agencies. However, information on radiation safety practice in nuclear medicine and research areas is scattered throughout the literature and federal registers. For busy nuclear technologists and professionals, it is quite time consuming to look for and acquire specific information and instructions to follow in radiation-related occasions and incidents. This guide provides ready-made, handy information on radiation safety as required in the practice of nuclear medicine, presented in a concise form for easy understanding and quick reference related to a given situation and/or incident. This is an ideal reference for nuclear medicine physicians, nuclear medicine technologists, and researchers using radioactive materials.

Gopal Saha, PhD, joined the Department of Nuclear Medicine at Cleveland Clinic as Director of Nuclear Chemistry and Pharmacy in 1984. He established a nuclear pharmacy laboratory with full amenities for routine clinical studies and sponsored clinical trials, which has been highly acclaimed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. He is the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement (Basic Science) Award of the Indo-American Society of Nuclear Medicine and the Vikram Sarabhai Memorial Oration Award of the Society of Nuclear Medicine, India. He was the President of the American Board of Sciences in Nuclear Medicine in 2000 and 2004. He is a prolific Springer author, with titles: Fundamentals of Nuclear Pharmacy, 7e; Physics and Radiobiology of Nuclear Medicine, 4e; and Basics of PET Imaging, 3e.