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. •Occupational doses were measured using calibrated Thermo-luminescent dosimeters (TLD).•The annual effective dose for PET-CT personnel were found to be below the recommended dose limits.•Staff are exposed to avoidable radiation doses.