Radiation safety and CT dosimetry in PET/CT imaging

Abstract

Some of the particular radiation safety challenges associated with PET/CT are described for those more familiar with working in conventional nuclear medicine departments. Facility design and shielding calculations are described and examples given. Challenges in keeping doses to the staff and public down are described with some of the approaches to keeping doses as low as reasonably achievable. Computed tomography (CT) technology and dose metrics are described in some detail, and some guidance on quality control checks and patient dose in CT and PET/CT is given with references to sources of information on these topics in this rapidly changing field.