A cost-effective way to reduce the equivalent eye lens dose fromYttrium-90 radiopharmaceuticals

Purpose We analyzed the effect of the use of Eye Protective Equipment (EPE) and the best position to use individual dosimeters to estimate the eye lens radiation dose to a medical staff that works with yttrium-90. Methods Three Alderson-Head-Phantoms were exposed to 58 MBq of 90Y for 24 h, in two different experiments: (1) at different dosimeter placements and (2) with and without the use of EPE. The measurements were carried on by thermoluminescent technique. Results Doses received by dosimeters on both lenses were more closely represented by the ones placed between the eyes than those on the temples, which underestimated the doses by a factor of 3. Also, the transmission factors showed that the EPE was able to reduce the Hp(3) values from about 78% to 92%. Conclusions This study demonstrated that the use of EPE can optimize the 90Y eye lens dose. An individual dosimeter should be worn between the eyes for an appropriate estimate of this equivalent dose.