With the development of nuclear medicine services (PET / CT), SPECT, bone scintigraphy, etc.), the protection of the hands of staff performing patient injections with radioactive substances is becoming especially important. Studies show that the annual cumulative dose to the fingertips often exceeds the dose limits (500 mSv) to the skin, thus increasing the risk of radiation-induced secondary cancer.
The aim of this pilot project is to form and characterize light lead-free, metal particle-enriched polymer composites with a lead equivalent of 0.4 mmPb, which provides an adequate protection against the most widely used Tc-99m isotope radiation in nuclear medicine. After modeling based selection of composites‘ composition, experimental films will be produced using electrospinning, thermoforming and chemical synthesis methods. Radiation absorption efficiency of experimental films will be evaluated by irradiating the samples with X-ray photons with the energy and dose rate corresponding to those of the Tc-99m isotope. The physical, chemical and mechanical properties of the composite films will also be assessed. Project results (composites with a controlled lead equivalent) will be used for modification of the nuclear medicine workers gloves‘ surfaces at the fingertips.
Project funding:
Project is funded by EU Structural Funds according to the 2014–2020 Operational Programme for the European Union Funds’ Investments priority “Development of scientific competence of researchers, other researchers, students through practical scientific activities” under Measure No. 09.3.3-LMT-K-712.
Project results:
Developed and characterized lightweight lead-free polymer composite enriched with metal particles having good absorption properties of the radiation emitted by the TC-99m isotope, which can be integrated into the gloves of nuclear medicine staff for radiation protection of fingertips
Period of project implementation: 2020-11-03 - 2021-04-30
Project coordinator: Kaunas University of Technology
