1032

Learning Objectives

Those involved in training and in the daily practice of nuclear medicine need a firm practical knowledge of radiation safety and the concepts of NRC regulations. We illustrate, in a simplified pictorial format, a comprehensive technique for reviewing Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) scenarios required to safely practice as an authorized user for the safe and effective medical use of radionuclides. We discuss how this exercise will emphasize the concepts of ALARA, training to handle radioactive spills, medical events, pregnancy and breast feeding during radioactive diagnostic and nuclear treatment procedures, the handling of common and uncommon situations including the nuclear patient on dialysis, treatment patients who do not adhere to the regulations, etc.

There are many residents in training and physicians who practice nuclear medicine that need hands on familiarity with the "day to day" practice of radiation safety procedures and Nuclear Regulatory Commission regulations as authorized users. To become more familiar with these important regulations, we have implemented a concept which we refer to as "Radiation Safety Officer For The Day". In this role, the individual in this role under the tutelage of the RSO responds to a wide variety of common and uncommon scenarios which include: how to handle spills, concepts of ALARA, handle a medical event, how to handle a pregnant or breastfeeding patient who needs a nuclear medicine examination or treatment, the ordering and receipts of radioactive materials, waste management, maintaining equipment, etc. We will also emphasize the handling of a variety of uncommon situations which may be encountered on a daily basis. Many of these scenarios will be displayed in a pictorial format. Upon completion of this exercise, the authorized user will have a much better understanding of what is required to be a radiation safety officer and better handle a variety of problems as a authorized user

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