RADIOISOTOPE METHODOLOGY COURSE - RADIOPROTECTION ASPECTS

Since 1962 a Radioisotopes Methodology Course is given annually at the School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry. Buenos Aires University, Argenti na, where usually professionals of the biomedical area assists. The cu rrent program has 222 hours of training: 122 hours devoted to theoreti cal aspects and 100 hours to intensive practical work. The training in radioprotection include subjects as: definitions, dosimetrical magnit udes and units, dose rate, equivalent dose, effective dose, exposition , dosimetry of internal and external sources, shielding, classificatio n of working conditions and areas, transportation of radioactive mater ials, instrumentation associated to radioprotection and many applicati on excersises. A total of 1085 professionals have passed their examina tion. Percentage distribution according to different professions can b e resumed as follows: 16.1 physicians, 65.1 biochemists, 0.7 engineers , 2.0 biologist and 16.1 from others professions such pharmacists, etc . The training in radioprotection throughout the whole program is orie nted to consolidate the general knowledge on the subject independently from the previous universitary formation. We stress also the importan ce and differentiate the applications to biochemistry, principally tho se concerning the use of 125-I, as well as to nuclear medicine fundame ntally through the utilisation of 99m-Tc generators.