NMTCB Radiation Safety & Regulations 3

Question 1

What is the purpose of a 'hot lab' in nuclear medicine?

Accepted Answer

Area for preparation and dispensing of radiopharmaceuticals

Answer

The hot lab (radiopharmacy) is where radiopharmaceuticals are prepared, assayed, and dispensed under controlled conditions to minimize staff exposure.

Question 2

Which radiation monitoring instrument is best suited for detecting small amounts of radioactive contamination on surfaces?

Accepted Answer

Geiger-Müller (GM) counter

Answer

GM counters are highly sensitive to low-level contamination and are the instrument of choice for contamination surveys in nuclear medicine.

Question 3

According to ALARA, which action best demonstrates this principle when handling a vial of Tc-99m?

Accepted Answer

Using lead-lined syringe shields and minimizing handling time

Answer

ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) is demonstrated by combining shielding, minimizing time, and maximizing distance simultaneously.

Question 4

A nuclear medicine technologist is pregnant. What is the recommended fetal dose equivalent limit per NRC guidelines?

Accepted Answer

0.5 rem (5 mSv) for the entire gestation

Answer

10 CFR 20.1208 limits the dose to the embryo/fetus to 0.5 rem (5 mSv) once pregnancy is declared.

Question 5

Which type of radiation requires the least shielding material to attenuate?

Accepted Answer

Alpha particles

Answer

Alpha particles are stopped by a sheet of paper or a few centimeters of air, requiring virtually no external shielding.

(NMTCB) Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board Practice Test

(NMTCB) Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board Practice Test

NMTCB Radiation Safety & Regulations 3