Imaging in nuclear medicine: Monitoring of skin doses of workers

Imaging in nuclear medical examinations is based on the detection and interpretation of image formed by the ionizing radiation emitted by suitable radiopharmaceuticals administered to patients. The personnel manipulating with the radiopharmaceuticals during their preparations and applications always receives some exposure, especially to the skin of hands. This exposure, expressed usually as the equivalent dose to the skin, in some cases can reach significant levels which, under some circumstances may exceed the relevant dose limit set by national regulatory authorities and recommended by international expert organizations.