Occupational Radiation Exposure and Safety Practices in Nuclear Medicine: A Review of Monitoring Studies in Bangladesh

Bangladesh has a rich history of nuclear medicine, dating back to the 1960s. Over the years,
technological advancements and an increasing number of facilities have led to significant improvements in
medical diagnostics and therapeutic services. However, occupational exposure to ionizing radiation remains
critical for workers handling unsealed radioactive sources in practices like nuclear medicine. Hence,
occupational exposure to radionuclides in nuclear medicine requires stringent monitoring to ensure worker
safety. This review evaluates the internal and external radiation doses received by nuclear medicine workers
in Bangladesh based on seven studies conducted from 2010 to 2024. Data from these studies were analyzed
to estimate effective doses and assess compliance with international safety standards. The results show that
effective doses across various facilities were well below the annual average dose limit prescribed by national
regulation and international organizations like the International Commission on Radiological Protection
(ICRP). However, variations in methodology and monitoring practices highlight the need for standardized
protocols and routine evaluations. This study emphasizes the importance of continued adherence to safety
principles and provides evidence for improving occupational radiation monitoring programs in nuclear
medicine practices in Bangladesh. While current safety protocols maintain exposure below prescribed limits,
significant variability in individual doses and the increasing complexity of nuclear medicine practices
necessitate ongoing monitoring and safety protocol enhancements in the country.