Which safety consideration is particularly important when using Tc-99m in clinical settings?

• A. Managing waste disposal of unused radiopharmaceuticals
• B. Monitoring the dose given to patients
• C. Ensuring the sterility of the injection site
• D. Implementing measures to limit radiation exposure

Answer: (D)

When using Tc-99m in clinical settings, implementing measures to limit radiation exposure is particularly important due to the nature of radioactive materials. Tc-99m emits gamma radiation, which, while having relatively low energy and a short half-life, still poses a risk of radiation exposure to both patients and healthcare providers.

To mitigate potential harmful effects of radiation, personnel must employ safety protocols such as maintaining appropriate distances from the source of radiation, using protective equipment, and minimizing the time spent in proximity to patients after administration of the radiopharmaceutical. Additionally, ensuring that patients are adequately informed and positioned can further help to limit unnecessary exposure.

In this context, monitoring dose administration, while important for ensuring effective imaging and patient safety, typically relates more to the effectiveness of the procedure than radiation protection directly. Similarly, while managing waste disposal is crucial for environmental safety and compliance, and ensuring sterility is vital for preventing infections, the priority in this specific context revolves around minimizing radiation exposure to safeguard patient and staff health, aligning with best practices in radiation safety management.