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The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the database system used at the South African Radiation Control Authority and compare it with RAIS (Regulatory Authority Information System). A radiation regulatory authority requires an adequate and effective data management system in order to carry out its regulatory control program efficiently and effectively. RAIS is a comprehensive system that includes all of the main functionality required to support a regulatory framework. A mixed methods approach, including a quantitative descriptive comparative evaluation research study was conducted to determine if the database system currently used by the South African Radiation Control Authority is effective as a data management tool for a regulatory body. Two analyses were conducted. Firstly, the specification records of the South African database system were compared with that of RAIS. Secondly, current database users were surveyed by means of a structured questionnaire. Both analyses reveal that RAIS performs better than the Radiation Control database in the main areas of the regulatory framework. The study results also highlight some of the shortcomings and strengths of the Radiation Control database / Medical Informatics / M.A. (Public Health)

This thesis reports on the modification of the "Safecode" computer-program to monitor the safety of radio-isotope laboratories, and its application to 24 compliance audits in NSW during the period 1999 to 2006. Additionally, an attempt was made to predict the level of risk to persons working within those laboratories. Based on the current NSW radiation control legislation and the relevant Australian Standards a comprehensive audit checklist was developed for this project. Each safety requirement in those documents was used to develop a question, resulting in 187 questions in the checklist. The questions were grouped into the following seven Topic Elements: Licensing and Registration; Radiation Safety Administration; Personal and Area Monitoring; Dose Limit Compliance; Documentation/Records; RSO/RSC Qualifications and Duties; and Facilities. A novel feature was the allocation of "weighting factors" to individual questions and Elements. The computer program facilitated analysis of data and provided output in spreadsheet and graphical form. .The on-site physical audits were conducted using the project check-list, and were supplemented by discussions with the client's representative. The results showed significant variation between sites with overall compliance scores ranging from 37% to 94%. The reasons for this large variation stem from differences in local management regime; the appointment of an RSO at one site; variation in the extent of adoption of relevant codes of practice; and legislative weaknesses. Further analysis of the data presented legal, advisory and combined scores for each Element for each site; and variations over time. The graphic displays of the results were appreciated by client management. The formula developed to predict risk, based on the physical parameters alone, showed little relationship to the total audit scores. Statistical analysis of the two data groups by correlation coefficient confirmed this general finding. Development of the formula however served to indicate deficiencies in the Question Set, and the importance of human factors in achieving a high degree of safety.

This thesis reports on the modification of the "Safecode" computer-program to monitor the safety of radio-isotope laboratories, and its application to 24 compliance audits in NSW during the period 1999 to 2006. Additionally, an attempt was made to predict the level of risk to persons working within those laboratories. Based on the current NSW radiation control legislation and the relevant Australian Standards a comprehensive audit checklist was developed for this project. Each safety requirement in those documents was used to develop a question, resulting in 187 questions in the checklist. The questions were grouped into the following seven Topic Elements: Licensing and Registration; Radiation Safety Administration; Personal and Area Monitoring; Dose Limit Compliance; Documentation/Records; RSO/RSC Qualifications and Duties; and Facilities. A novel feature was the allocation of "weighting factors" to individual questions and Elements. The computer program facilitated analysis of data and provided output in spreadsheet and graphical form. .The on-site physical audits were conducted using the project check-list, and were supplemented by discussions with the client's representative. The results showed significant variation between sites with overall compliance scores ranging from 37% to 94%. The reasons for this large variation stem from differences in local management regime; the appointment of an RSO at one site; variation in the extent of adoption of relevant codes of practice; and legislative weaknesses. Further analysis of the data presented legal, advisory and combined scores for each Element for each site; and variations over time. The graphic displays of the results were appreciated by client management. The formula developed to predict risk, based on the physical parameters alone, showed little relationship to the total audit scores. Statistical analysis of the two data groups by correlation coefficient confirmed this general finding. Development of the formula however served to indicate deficiencies in the Question Set, and the importance of human factors in achieving a high degree of safety.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the database system used at the South African Radiation Control Authority and compare it with RAIS (Regulatory Authority Information System). A radiation regulatory authority requires an adequate and effective data management system in order to carry out its regulatory control program efficiently and effectively. RAIS is a comprehensive system that includes all of the main functionality required to support a regulatory framework. A mixed methods approach, including a quantitative descriptive comparative evaluation research study was conducted to determine if the database system currently used by the South African Radiation Control Authority is effective as a data management tool for a regulatory body. Two analyses were conducted. Firstly, the specification records of the South African database system were compared with that of RAIS. Secondly, current database users were surveyed by means of a structured questionnaire. Both analyses reveal that RAIS performs better than the Radiation Control database in the main areas of the regulatory framework. The study results also highlight some of the shortcomings and strengths of the Radiation Control database / Medical Informatics / M.A. (Public Health)

A Radiologia tem sido considerada uma das áreas da Medicina que mais se desenvolve, especialmente com o aporte de novas tecnologias. Entre as aplicações da Radiologia Intervencionista destaca-se a utilização da fluoroscopia no centro cirúrgico em complemento às cirurgias ortopédicas, objeto da presente pesquisa. Entretanto, alguns complexos e longos procedimentos guiados fluoroscopicamente podem resultar em altos níveis de exposição ocupacional às radiações ionizantes para equipe de cirurgia ortopédica e trabalhadores de saúde, induzir sérios danos à saúde. Levando em conta esses aspectos, o objetivo geral dessa pesquisa consiste em determinar a exposição ocupacional da equipe de cirurgia ortopédica em procedimentos guiados por fluoroscopia e verificar dentre as cirurgias observadas a que oferece maior exposição ocupacional às radiações ionizantes, como também, a aplicação dos princípios básicos de proteção radiológica nestes procedimentos. A metodologia utilizada para essa pesquisa foi a qualiquantitativa do tipo exploratória. A pesquisa foi realizada no Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Curitiba (UFPR). Os sujeitos pesquisados foram os membros da equipe de cirurgia ortopédica, ou seja, médicos ortopedistas, residentes, anestesias, instrumentador cirúrgico, técnicos e auxiliares de enfermagem, e enfermeiros. A coleta de dados foi realizada de 01 de janeiro a 30 de maio de 2011. Contribuíram para a pesquisa, 44 trabalhadores que responderam uma entrevista coletiva, e um questionário com 25 perguntas fechadas. foi constituídos quatro grupos de onze participantes cada, seguida de análise documental e de monitoração da área pesquisada e individual. Os resultados mostraram que os profissionais de saúde do setor pesquisado expõem-se às radiações ionizantes, devido à demanda de cirurgias guiadas por equipamentos emissores de radiação ionizantes fluoroscopicamente, e a falta de conhecimento em radioproteção. Diante dessas constatações foram sugeridas pelos grupos medidas de prevenção a essas exposições de modo a minimizar possíveis efeitos biológicos das radiações ionizantes. Foi concluído que existe exposição ocupacional com os trabalhadores do setor pesquisado, os mesmos tem pouco conhecimento quanto ao uso dos equipamentos de radioproteção nos procedimentos cirúrgicos com equipamentos emissores de radiações ionizantes, não usam corretamente os monitores individuais. / Radiology has been considered one of the areas of medicine that most devel-ops, especially with the contribution of new technologies. Among the applications of Interventional Radiology highlights the use of fluoroscopy in the surgical center in addition to co-orthopedic surgeries, the object of the present research. Entretan-to some complex and lengthy fluoroscopically guided procedures can result in high levels of occupational exposure to ionizing radiation for e-quipe orthopedic surgery and health workers, induce serious damage to health. Considering these aspects, the general objective of this research is to de-termine the occupational exposure of the team of orthopedic surgery proce-dures guided by fluoroscopy and verify observed among the surgeries that offer greater occupational exposure to ionizing radiation, but also the application of basic principles of radiological protection in these procedures. The methodology for this research was the qualitative and quantitative exploratory type. The research was conducted at Hospital de Clinicas, Federal University of Curitiba (UFPR). Study subjects were members of the team of orthopedic surgery, or orthopedic doctors, residents, anesthesia, surgical instrumentator, technicians and nursing assistants, and nurses. Data collection was performed from January 1 to May 30, 2011. Contributors to the survey, 44 workers who answered a news conference, and a questionnaire with 25 closed questions of. was divided in four groups of eleven participants each, followed by document analysis and monitoring of the area and searched individually. The results we-strated that the health sector professionals surveyed were exposed to ionizing radiation, due to demand-driven surgery equipment emitting ionizing radiation fluoroscopically, and the lack of knowledge in radioprote-tion. Before these findings were suggested by the groups pre-vention measures of these exposures to minimize possible biological effects of ionizing radiation-tions. It was concluded that occupational exposure exists with re-worked in the sector researched, they have little knowledge about the use of radiation protection equipment in surgical procedures with equipment emitting ionizing radiation, properly use the monitors indi-tions.

Esse estudo tem por objetivo geral propor um mapa espacial de doses como ferramenta auxiliar na avaliação da necessidade de otimização de ambientes em serviços de medicina nuclear e, por objetivos específicos, avaliar as dosimetrias individuais dos trabalhadores; analisar a estrutura física dos serviços de medicina nuclear; avaliar as taxas de dose do ambiente. A pesquisa realizada se caracteriza como um estudo de caso, de natureza exploratória e explicativa, em três Serviços de Medicina Nuclear estabelecidos na região Noroeste do Estado do Paraná. Os resultados obtidos indicaram que as taxas de dose avaliadas e a dosimetria dos trabalhadores, em todas as dependências dos serviços pesquisados, respeitam os limites de doses anuais, mas algumas excedem os limites de investigações preconizados na norma NN-CNEN 3.01 (2014). Concluiu-se que o mapa espacial de dose é uma ferramenta importante para os serviços de medicina nuclear, pois facilita a visualização das áreas com maior concentração de radiação, bem como a revisão contínua de tais medidas e recursos para identificar quaisquer falhas e deficiências na sua aplicação, corrigi-las e evitar suas repetições, além de verificar regularmente se os objetivos de proteção radiológica estão sendo alcançados. / This study has as general aim to propose a spatial map of doses as an auxiliary tool in assessing the need for optimization of the workplace in nuclear medicine services. As specific aims, we assessed the workers individual dosimetry; we analyzed the facilities of the nuclear medicine services; and we evaluated environment exposure rates. The research is characterized as a case study, with an exploratory and explanatory nature. It was conducted in three Nuclear Medicine Services, all established in the Northwest of the Paraná State. Results indicated that the evaluated dose rates and workers dosimetry, in all the dependencies of the surveyed services, are within the limits of annual doses. However some exceeded the limits recommended in the standard CNEN-NN 3:01 (2014). It was concluded that the spatial map dose is an important tool for nuclear medicine services because it facilitates the visualization of areas with highest concentration of radiation, and also helps in the constant review of these measures and resources, aiding in the identification of any failures and shortcomings, providing resources to correct any issues and prevent their repetition. The spatial map dose is also important for the regular inspection, evaluating if the radiation protection objectives are being met.

A Radiologia tem sido considerada uma das áreas da Medicina que mais se desenvolve, especialmente com o aporte de novas tecnologias. Entre as aplicações da Radiologia Intervencionista destaca-se a utilização da fluoroscopia no centro cirúrgico em complemento às cirurgias ortopédicas, objeto da presente pesquisa. Entretanto, alguns complexos e longos procedimentos guiados fluoroscopicamente podem resultar em altos níveis de exposição ocupacional às radiações ionizantes para equipe de cirurgia ortopédica e trabalhadores de saúde, induzir sérios danos à saúde. Levando em conta esses aspectos, o objetivo geral dessa pesquisa consiste em determinar a exposição ocupacional da equipe de cirurgia ortopédica em procedimentos guiados por fluoroscopia e verificar dentre as cirurgias observadas a que oferece maior exposição ocupacional às radiações ionizantes, como também, a aplicação dos princípios básicos de proteção radiológica nestes procedimentos. A metodologia utilizada para essa pesquisa foi a qualiquantitativa do tipo exploratória. A pesquisa foi realizada no Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Curitiba (UFPR). Os sujeitos pesquisados foram os membros da equipe de cirurgia ortopédica, ou seja, médicos ortopedistas, residentes, anestesias, instrumentador cirúrgico, técnicos e auxiliares de enfermagem, e enfermeiros. A coleta de dados foi realizada de 01 de janeiro a 30 de maio de 2011. Contribuíram para a pesquisa, 44 trabalhadores que responderam uma entrevista coletiva, e um questionário com 25 perguntas fechadas. foi constituídos quatro grupos de onze participantes cada, seguida de análise documental e de monitoração da área pesquisada e individual. Os resultados mostraram que os profissionais de saúde do setor pesquisado expõem-se às radiações ionizantes, devido à demanda de cirurgias guiadas por equipamentos emissores de radiação ionizantes fluoroscopicamente, e a falta de conhecimento em radioproteção. Diante dessas constatações foram sugeridas pelos grupos medidas de prevenção a essas exposições de modo a minimizar possíveis efeitos biológicos das radiações ionizantes. Foi concluído que existe exposição ocupacional com os trabalhadores do setor pesquisado, os mesmos tem pouco conhecimento quanto ao uso dos equipamentos de radioproteção nos procedimentos cirúrgicos com equipamentos emissores de radiações ionizantes, não usam corretamente os monitores individuais. / Radiology has been considered one of the areas of medicine that most devel-ops, especially with the contribution of new technologies. Among the applications of Interventional Radiology highlights the use of fluoroscopy in the surgical center in addition to co-orthopedic surgeries, the object of the present research. Entretan-to some complex and lengthy fluoroscopically guided procedures can result in high levels of occupational exposure to ionizing radiation for e-quipe orthopedic surgery and health workers, induce serious damage to health. Considering these aspects, the general objective of this research is to de-termine the occupational exposure of the team of orthopedic surgery proce-dures guided by fluoroscopy and verify observed among the surgeries that offer greater occupational exposure to ionizing radiation, but also the application of basic principles of radiological protection in these procedures. The methodology for this research was the qualitative and quantitative exploratory type. The research was conducted at Hospital de Clinicas, Federal University of Curitiba (UFPR). Study subjects were members of the team of orthopedic surgery, or orthopedic doctors, residents, anesthesia, surgical instrumentator, technicians and nursing assistants, and nurses. Data collection was performed from January 1 to May 30, 2011. Contributors to the survey, 44 workers who answered a news conference, and a questionnaire with 25 closed questions of. was divided in four groups of eleven participants each, followed by document analysis and monitoring of the area and searched individually. The results we-strated that the health sector professionals surveyed were exposed to ionizing radiation, due to demand-driven surgery equipment emitting ionizing radiation fluoroscopically, and the lack of knowledge in radioprote-tion. Before these findings were suggested by the groups pre-vention measures of these exposures to minimize possible biological effects of ionizing radiation-tions. It was concluded that occupational exposure exists with re-worked in the sector researched, they have little knowledge about the use of radiation protection equipment in surgical procedures with equipment emitting ionizing radiation, properly use the monitors indi-tions.

Esse estudo tem por objetivo geral propor um mapa espacial de doses como ferramenta auxiliar na avaliação da necessidade de otimização de ambientes em serviços de medicina nuclear e, por objetivos específicos, avaliar as dosimetrias individuais dos trabalhadores; analisar a estrutura física dos serviços de medicina nuclear; avaliar as taxas de dose do ambiente. A pesquisa realizada se caracteriza como um estudo de caso, de natureza exploratória e explicativa, em três Serviços de Medicina Nuclear estabelecidos na região Noroeste do Estado do Paraná. Os resultados obtidos indicaram que as taxas de dose avaliadas e a dosimetria dos trabalhadores, em todas as dependências dos serviços pesquisados, respeitam os limites de doses anuais, mas algumas excedem os limites de investigações preconizados na norma NN-CNEN 3.01 (2014). Concluiu-se que o mapa espacial de dose é uma ferramenta importante para os serviços de medicina nuclear, pois facilita a visualização das áreas com maior concentração de radiação, bem como a revisão contínua de tais medidas e recursos para identificar quaisquer falhas e deficiências na sua aplicação, corrigi-las e evitar suas repetições, além de verificar regularmente se os objetivos de proteção radiológica estão sendo alcançados. / This study has as general aim to propose a spatial map of doses as an auxiliary tool in assessing the need for optimization of the workplace in nuclear medicine services. As specific aims, we assessed the workers individual dosimetry; we analyzed the facilities of the nuclear medicine services; and we evaluated environment exposure rates. The research is characterized as a case study, with an exploratory and explanatory nature. It was conducted in three Nuclear Medicine Services, all established in the Northwest of the Paraná State. Results indicated that the evaluated dose rates and workers dosimetry, in all the dependencies of the surveyed services, are within the limits of annual doses. However some exceeded the limits recommended in the standard CNEN-NN 3:01 (2014). It was concluded that the spatial map dose is an important tool for nuclear medicine services because it facilitates the visualization of areas with highest concentration of radiation, and also helps in the constant review of these measures and resources, aiding in the identification of any failures and shortcomings, providing resources to correct any issues and prevent their repetition. The spatial map dose is also important for the regular inspection, evaluating if the radiation protection objectives are being met.

Overexpression of monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) has been shown for a variety of human cancers (e.g., colon, brain, breast, and kidney) and inhibition resulted in intracellular lactate accumulation, acidosis, and cell death. Thus, MCTs are promising targets to investigate tumor cancer metabolism with positron emission tomography (PET). Here, the organ doses (ODs) and the effective dose (ED) of the first 18F-labeled MCT1/MCT4 inhibitor were estimated in juvenile pigs. Whole-body dosimetry was performed in three piglets (age: ~6 weeks, weight: ~13–15 kg). The animals were anesthetized and subjected to sequential hybrid Positron Emission Tomography and Computed Tomography (PET/CT) up to 5 h after an intravenous (iv) injection of 156 ± 54 MBq [18F]FACH. All relevant organs were defined by volumes of interest. Exponential curves were fitted to the time–activity data. Time and mass scales were adapted to the human order of magnitude and the ODs calculated using the ICRP 89 adult male phantom with OLINDA 2.1. The ED was calculated using tissue weighting factors as published in Publication 103 of the International Commission of Radiation Protection (ICRP103). The highest organ dose was received by the urinary bladder (62.6 ± 28.9 µSv/MBq), followed by the gall bladder (50.4 ± 37.5 µSv/MBq) and the pancreas (30.5 ± 27.3 µSv/MBq). The highest contribution to the ED was by the urinary bladder (2.5 ± 1.1 µSv/MBq), followed by the red marrow (1.7 ± 0.3 µSv/MBq) and the stomach (1.3 ± 0.4 µSv/MBq). According to this preclinical analysis, the ED to humans is 12.4 µSv/MBq when applying the ICRP103 tissue weighting factors. Taking into account that preclinical dosimetry underestimates the dose to humans by up to 40%, the conversion factor applied for estimation of the ED to humans would rise to 20.6 µSv/MBq. In this case, the ED to humans upon an iv application of ~300 MBq [18F]FACH would be about 6.2 mSv. This risk assessment encourages the translation of [18F]FACH into clinical study phases and the further investigation of its potential as a clinical tool for cancer imaging with PET.