Potential hazard to ultrasonographers from previously administered radionuclides.

The authors discuss the potential radiation hazard to the ultrasonographer from patients who have received radionuclides for nuclear medicine studies. Data are presented for 24 of the more than 30 patients measured, and radiation levels of 10 mR/hr (0.72 nA/kg) over the abdomen and 5 mR/hr (0.358 nA/kg) at the tableside were obtained from some patients. In one unusual case, 40 mR/hr (2.88 nA/kg) and 8 mR/hr (0.58 nA/kg) at the position of the sonographer's hands and gonads, respectively, were recorded. These levels indicate that ultrasonographers should be considered radiation workers and should be monitored for radiation exposure.