Changes

The primary aim of radiological protection is to provide an appropriate standard of protection for people and the environment without unduly limiting the beneficial practices giving rise to radiation exposure. [[ICRP Publication 103]] <ref name="Pub103">[[ICRP Publication 103]] The 2007 Recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection. Ann. ICRP 37(2-4), 2007.</ref> has formulated a set of fundamental principles of radiological protection that apply to radiation sources and to the individuals being exposed. These principles are applicable to radiological protection in medicine. ICRP has provided recommendations for protection in medicine through [[ICRP Publication 105]] Radiological Protection in Medicine<ref name="Pub105">[[ICRP Publication 105]] Radiological Protection in Medicine. Ann. ICRP 37(6), 2007.</ref>, [[ICRP Supporting Guidance 2]] Radiation and your patient - A Guide for Medical Practitioners <ref>[[ICRP Supporting Guidance 2]] Radiation and Your Patient A Guide for Medical Practitioners. Ann. ICRP 31(4), 2001.</ref> and [[ICRP Publication 73]] Radiological Protection and Safety in Medicine<ref name="Pub073">[[ICRP Publication 73]] Radiological Protection and Safety in Medicine. Ann. ICRP 26(2), 1996.</ref>.

When a patient is exposed to external sources of radiation during [[diagnostic radiology]] or [[Radiation therapy]], there is no residual radiation remained in the patient after the procedure, and the patient poses no radiation risk to family members or the others who provide care to the patient, and the general public the patient may come into contact. However, when [[nuclear medicine]] is used for [[diagnostic radiology]] or [[Radiation therapy]], protection of family members, other carers and the public, should be considered as the patient may remain “radioactive” for some time following the administration; the radiopharmaceuticals administered to the patient would need some time to physically decay or be biologically eliminated <ref name="Pub105"/> ([[ICRP Publication 94]] Release of Patients after Therapy with Unsealed Radionuclides; [[ICRP Publication 105]] Radiological Protection in Medicine).