Assessment of Hand Exposures from Nuclear Pharmacy Operations Using Multi-Element OSL Dosimeter Gloves

D.J. Krueger1; J.L. Coffey2; W. Regits2; C.T. Walters2; and J. Gray3 (1PETNET Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; 2Cardinal Health, Inc.; 3Landauer, Inc.)

Workers preparing and dispensing radiopharmaceuticals have the potential to receive significant extremity exposures. Recently the adequacy of the traditional ring dosimeter has been questioned since it is worn at the base of a finger and higher exposures may be received at the fingertips. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a series of workers using a newly developed glove dosimeter with 25 OSL (optically stimulated luminescence)elements to assess exposures to all areas of the hands. Assigned Shallow Dose Equivalents (ASDE), based on the new definition of skin dose (average dose to the most highly exposed, contiguous 10 cm2), have been determined through the averaging of several elements. Differences in the ASDE have been noted versus the readings of the traditional ring dosimeters. Differences in the responses of the OSL versus the TLD in traditional ring dosimeter have also been noted. The implications of ASDE are far reaching for all programs with varying gradients of extremity exposure. This study elucidates some of the issues that will need to be considered as the regulatory approach to ASDE evolves.

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