Analysis of Local Diagnostic Reference Levels for Pediatric Patients Undergoing 18F-FDG PET/CT Imaging for Oncology

Background: The PET/CT imaging studies have two doses components the dose from the PET radiopharmaceutical and the other from the low dose CT used for PET images attenuation correction. We have one PET/CT scanner at our institution a Philips Time of Flight scanner. Our local patient’s radiation protection rules requires continuous assessment of radiation doses delivered to our patients. Purposes: The objectives of this study are to develop a weight- based facility DRLs for paediatric F-18-FDG PET-CT imaging for oncology in a large tertiary hospital and to determine whether the calculated DRLs compares with internationally published DRLs. Materials & Methods: Radiation dose data and patient demographics of two-hundreds and sixteen paediatric PET-CT oncology patients imaging procedures from one large tertiary hospital were selected and analysed in order to establish a facility paediatric DRLs. Statistical analysis was performed. Results: The PET dose reference levels ranged between [62 - 525] MBq of injected activity for a range of pediatric age groups. The CTDIvol values were between 3.5 and 16.5 mGy for all age groups. Comparison with current EANM and SNMMI recommendations of patient’s dose are discussed. Conclusion: Our pediatric PET/CT reference levels are higher than the ones reported internationally with notable variations. .

Preparedness for handling injuries by female primary school teachers: A cross-sectional survey in Southwestern Saudi Arabia

Objective:To assess the preparedness for handling injuries by female primary school teachers based on their knowledge,attitude,practice and their willingness to learn first aid.Methods:A cross-sectional questionnaire on first aid was provided to female primary school teachers,and the knowledge,attitude,practice and their willingness to learn first aid were investigated.Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.Quantitative data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA,categorical variables were analyzed by the Chi-square test.The level of significance was set at P<0.05.Results:In total,464 teachers of different age groups and education responded.The mean knowledge score was low but the mean attitude score was high.Parental consent was sought by one-fourth of the teachers,and 25.6%of teachers documented the health status of children.Most of the teachers desired to have a first aider,and they were keen on training(62.3%)and educating children(88.1%)on first aid.Knowledge scores were significantly impacted by age(P<0.05)and experience(P<0.01),while specialization impacted mean practice scores(P<0.001).Teachers'qualification(P<0.05),first action to be taken at the accident site(P<0.05),and frequency of training(P<0.05),were significantly associated with the need of a first aider.Conclusions:Based on the paucity of awareness and expertise,on priority basis,it is important to strengthen teachers'skills.Child safety is an important public health issue and can be improved by educating and training teachers.