Radiation Protection

Radionuclides used in nuclear medical diagnostics and therapy emit ionizing radiation, which can trigger both deterministic and stochastic effects.

The objective of radiation protection in the medical application of radionuclides is to reliably prevent deterministic radiation effects and to reduce the risk of stochastic effects to a reasonably achievable level. In nuclear medical diagnostics, we therefore work with legally defined Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs), which are set for each examination in such a way that deterministic effects can be ruled out.

To minimize the risk of stochastic damage from ionizing radiation, radiation protection is guided by three general principles for handling ionizing radiation:

  • Justification (justified indication),
  • Dose limitation, and
  • Optimization.

We are committed to upholding these principles of radiation protection and to continuously improving them in our daily work.

Radiation Protection for Clinical Procedures

Clinical radiation protection is a crucial element in all areas of nuclear medicine where radioactive-labeled drugs are used, in order to protect patients, clinic staff, and the environment from increased radiation exposure.

The tasks are diverse and include, among others:

  • Patient-specific dosimetry in nuclear medical therapies,
  • Ensuring functionality and regular quality control of PET/CT, SPECT/CT, and gamma camera systems,
  • Quality control of radiation protection measuring devices,
  • Regular instruction and training of staff,
  • Analyses of structural radiation protection,
  • Monitoring the use of radioactive substances,
  • Communication with the nuclear regulatory authority.

Radiation Protection for Patients

To optimize and minimize patients' radiation exposure, medical indication is determined before each nuclear medical examination and therapy to ensure that the health benefits for the patient outweigh the radiation risk. Patients can contribute to radiation protection themselves by providing us with any prior imaging they may have, helping to avoid unnecessary examinations.