Radiation Shielding Solutions for Nuclear Medicine

Technology, diagnostic processes, and therapeutic applications in nuclear medicine constantly evolve. Radiopharmaceuticals are produced, researched, and administered in various settings, including hospitals, universities, and research centers.

Radiation shielding is in more demand as nuclear medicine becomes more widely used. Shielding materials for the nuclear medicine business are many. These are some of the most commonly utilized shielding materials in a laboratory or medical facility.

Lead and Tungsten

Syringes and radioisotopes are often stored in vials in the industry. In the medical field, a “pig” is a round container made of lead or tungsten that keeps radiopharmaceuticals from being damaged by radiation.

Solid tungsten is widely used today for several reasons, including its durability and slightly better gamma radiation attenuation than lead.Wrought iron has the disadvantage of being more costly than lead. Syringe shields and vial-carrying containers may be manufactured from solid tungsten as well.

Over time, lead pigs are more prone to breakage or denting than tungsten, although they are frequently less expensive. There are a variety of ways to protect the pigs against lead exposure, including encasing them in metal or plastic. A 34-inch-thick lead shield is shown here in the form of a lead pig.

Lead or tungsten piglets can have things like threaded lids, lid locks, painting, and sizes that are made to order.

The use of lead-lined storage containers and cabinets

In the nuclear medicine sector, lead-lined furniture is a major product. Store radioactive waste, radiopharmaceuticals and other things in these specifically designed cabinets or containers. These containers may have shielding thickness ranging from 1/16″ to over 2″. The lead used in the cabinet is manufactured by either inserting sheet lead within the steel cabinet or by casting lead inside the steel cabinet.

Lead-lined garbage and storage containers by Nuclear Shields are constructed in the same way. These items are often seen in medical facilities and research facilities because they make radioisotopes more readily available while also shielding users from radiation exposure. Radiation leakage is prevented by using specially engineered doors and apertures.

L-Blocks and Lead Brick Caverns

It is essential to keep the safety of the lab staff in mind while conducting radioisotope research in the laboratory. Standard lead brick may be used to build lead brick tunnels, which can then be decorated with paint. Lead bricks might be a good shielding material in the lab because they are easy to put up and move around and they protect against radiation well enough.

Lead shielding may be as thick as 2 inches in L-blocks, and the lead glass windows can be as thick as 8 inches. It allows employees to see what they are doing at the same time as protecting them from radiation. Typically, L-Blocks are made of metal that is coated with lead.