OBJECTIVES OF THE COURSE: This is an elective course designed to encounter students with open ionizing radiation sources available in nuclear medicine department (radionuclides, RN). Having in mind future general practitioners, the objective is to teach students about possible danger for people and our environment arising from ionizing (predominantly gamma) radiation, emphasizing the knowledge about the methods and rules of behaviour designed for protection of professionals, patients and environment and solving contamination incidents. Hybrid imaging (SPECT/CT, PET/CT) is introduced, with consequences regarding radiation protection. Preventive measures are discussed, including a handling and storage of radioactive waste. The legislature on radiation protection is presented. COURSE DESCRIPTION: The basic physics of ionizing radiation, radioactive decay, production of radionuclides, and specific RNs used in NM are studied. Interactions of ionization with matter, including persons and environment are discussed. A lecture is given on basic points in radiation dosimetry introducing absorbed, equivalent and effective doses, stochastic and deterministic biological effects on persons and population. Radionuclides used in nuclear medicine are demonstrated, their production (generator, cyclotrons), storage and clinical (diagnostic and therapeutic) use. Complexity of radiation exposure arising from hybrid imagining is mentioned. Methods and rules in radiation protection are being demonstrated in «hot laboratory», contamination and decontamination concept, specifically for persons, patients and environment. Legal international regulations are presented (“Basic safety standards” issued by IAEA and COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 2013/59/EURATOM), including effective dose limits for professionals and population. BASIC COMPETENCIES: A student should acquire knowledge that will enable him/her to estimate possible risks arising from the ionizing radiation used in routine diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in nuclear medicine. This is accomplished by understanding and using terms: absorbed, equivalent and effective dose. Radiation protection measures and procedures for solving or minimizing the consequences of accidental contamination of persons and environment should be adopted, which students may implement in their future professional work. SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES: As students are not allowed to handle radioactive sources (according to the radiation protection legislature), the education is limited to demonstration of work with RN and instructions on specific procedures (use of radiation detectors) in radiation protection. COURSE STRUCTURE: Lectures: 8 hours Seminars: 13 hours Practicals: 4 hours Total hours: 25 |