Radiation protection in the application of Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

When considering radiation savety in PET the higher energy of annihilation photons as compared to the energy of radionuclides rued in conventional nuc lear medicine, as well as the higher activities rued in preparation and adm inistration of radionuclides, must be considered. During production of radi onuclides with a cyclotron, the nuclear reactions produce both fast neutron s and gamma rays. The main concern of radiation safety in nuclear medicine is to prevent radiation hazards to patients, members of the staff and indiv iduals of the general public. Due to radioactive contamination of the air i n the laboratories, a continuous control of the exhausted air and appropria te equipment for retention of radioactive gases are necessary and required in radiation protection of the environment.