β-Radiation exposure to fingertips after using a trained routine application method during radiosynovectomy.

There are few, but worrisome, data available on fingertip radiation exposure of medical personnel during radiosynovectomy (RSV). To reduce radiation exposure, we performed a dedicated application procedure. This report summarizes the acquired skin equivalent dose [Hp(0.07)] of the personnel involved in the preparation and administration of the three RSV β-emitters Y, Re and Er. Over a period of 3 years, 547 joints in 368 patients were treated with 52421 MBq of the aforementioned three radionuclides. The Hp(0.07) was recorded with thermoluminescence dosimeters worn on the dominant index fingertip and was analysed monthly. Eight staff members were exposed to an Hp(0.07) of 492 mSv. The cumulative dose was less than 10 μSv/MBq. The dose per person was 1.1 μSv/MBq in physicians and up to 4.5 μSv/MBq in technicians. The accumulated personal Hp(0.07) during RSV was far below the regulatory limit and published data.