Potential shielding for a positron emission tomography (PET) suite

Abstract

Due to the amount of radioisotopes needed for use in positron emission tomography scans, it is important to have a careful planning of procedures and design of such facilities. Using the Monte Carlo N-Particle Transport Code (MCNP), a potential suite for a positron emission tomography (PET) facility was designed. The design covered three different areas as required in a PET facility: the scan room, the waiting area, and the hot lab. The design used two different shielding options, lead and concrete. Both materials were found to be enough to lower dose rates below the public dose limits set by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.