Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

R J Vetter

Publications and source records attributed to R J Vetter.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

Reorganization and consolidation of a safety program.

Prior to 1990, the Mayo Safety Program consisted of several autonomous functions, one of which was Radiation Safety. Consolidation and enhancement of these programs began in 1990 with safety coordinators (e.g., health physicists, industrial hygienists, ergonomists) reporting to one safety director who reports to a vice president level administrator. In 1995, the hierarchical structure was replaced with self-directed work teams. These teams have team leaders who replaced conventional work unit supervisors and a Human Resources (HR) Liaison who is responsible for HR issues including time keeping and 360 degrees performance reviews. A Steering Team, consisting of team leaders was established to create a strategic plan, set program goals, and hold teams accountable. In 1997, processes were evaluated and redesigned through an operational restructuring method called process mapping; process mapping is a tool used in reengineering. Value added to the safety program as a result of these efforts includes more program ownership by Safety staff as demonstrated by increased motivation, increased interest in success of the entire safety program, and increased participation in team planning and management. In addition, some economies of scale have been achieved through cross-functional teams.

Benchmarking↗
PubMed1997

Regulations for radioiodine therapy in the United States: current status and the process of change.

Radioiodine therapy has been used for many years to treat thyroid disease. The use of 131I sodium iodide in mCi dosages poses potential hazards to health care personnel, family or close friends of the patient, and the general public. The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is charged with protection of health and safety from various radioactive materials including 131I. The NRC accomplishes its mission through regulations and license conditions placed on the authorized use of radioiodine. Current regulations limit annual whole body dose of 1 mSv (100 mrem) for members of the public and 50 mSv (5,000 mrem) for radiation workers. To protect patients from dispensing errors, the NRC promulgated regulations on possession use, calibration, and check of dose calibrators and outlined procedures to follow if an error is made. This paper discusses these requirements, methods for meeting them, the process used by the NRC to change its regulations, a proposed rule on release of patients who contain therapeutic radionuclides, and some commentary from the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements that medical licensees may find useful.

Humans↗
PubMed1995

Radio-frequency survey at the bore of a 1.5-T MR imager.

A survey at the bore of a 1.5-T magnetic resonance (MR) imager assessed radio-frequency (RF) exposure. With variable pulse sequences and loading conditions, the RF power density at relevant occupational positions was below measurable limits (less than the threshold limit value for occupational workers of 1 mW/cm2). Exposure to RF fields is below safe limits for personnel who routinely work within an MR imaging suite.

Humans↗
PubMed1994

The radiation dosimetry and normal value study of 99mTc-HMPAO-labeled leukocytes.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Indium-111 (111In)-labeled leukocyte scanning has been used frequently in patients suspected of having infections. Recently, technetium-99m hexamethylpropylene amine oxime (99mTc-HMPAO) has been used to label leukocytes. This study was undertaken to determine the distribution and dosimetry of 99mTc-HMPAO leukocytes in healthy subjects. METHODS: Five healthy volunteers had leukocytes labeled with 99mTc-HMPAO. After injection of the labeled leukocytes, whole body images and blood and urine samples were obtained at multiple time points. RESULTS: Visual interpretation of the images demonstrated significant bowel activity as early as 2 hours and increasing with time such that one the 8- and 24-hour images, the amount of bowel activity would preclude using 99mTc-HMPAO leukocyte scanning for abdominal processes. The dosimetry for this study is similar to that of other studies and is in an acceptable diagnostic range. CONCLUSIONS: 99mTc-HMPAO leukocyte studies are an acceptable alternative to 111In-labeled leukocyte studies in terms of dosimetry. Use of such studies in the abdomen should be limited to early images, usually before 2 hours, to avoid confusion with the normal route of excretion in the bowel.

Female↗
PubMed1992

Dosimetry and biodistribution of an iodine-123-labeled somatostatin analog in patients with neuroendocrine tumors.

A modified method for the preparation of a radiolabeled analog of somatostatin (123I-octreotide) is described. The pharmacokinetics and dosimetry of this analog were evaluated in patients with neuroendocrine tumors. Thirty patients had multiple blood and urine samples and sequential anterior and posterior whole-body scintigraphy up to 40 hr postinjection of 123I-octreotide. Region of interest analysis of the whole-body images was used to determine organ and tumor doses. The 123I-octreotide was rapidly cleared from the blood with a T 1/2 of 10 min by the hepatobiliary system. By 40 hr, approximately 55% was eliminated in the feces. The gallbladder wall received the highest dose (0.48 rad/mCi), with other organs receiving doses of 0.12 rad/mCi or less. Tumors were identified in 25 of 28 satisfactory studies. Tumor doses ranged from 0.1 to 0.6 rad/mCi. Calculations with 131I instead of 123I indicated that the gallbladder wall would receive 2 rad/mCi, while average tumor doses would range from 0.9 to 5.0 rad/mCi. Iodine-123-octreotide is a useful agent for the visualization of neuroendocrine tumors. The rapid washout of this agent from tumors precludes the possibility of radiotherapy with 131I-octreotide in these patients.

Endocrine Gland Neoplasms↗
PubMed1990

Effect of pulsed progressive fluoroscopy on reduction of radiation dose in the cardiac catheterization laboratory.

The increased application of therapeutic interventional cardiology procedures is associated with increased radiation exposure to physicians, patients and technical personnel. New advances in imaging techniques have the potential for reducing radiation exposure. A progressive scanning video system with a standard vascular phantom has been shown to decrease entrance radiation exposure. The effect of this system on reducing actual radiation exposure to physicians and technicians was assessed from 1984 through 1987. During this time, progressive fluoroscopy was added sequentially to all four adult catheterization laboratories; no changes in shielding procedures were made. During this time, the case load per physician increased by 63% and the number of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty procedures (a high radiation procedure) increased by 244%. Despite these increases in both case load and higher radiation procedures, the average radiation exposure per physician declined by 37%. During the same time, the radiation exposure for technicians decreased by 35%. Pulsed progressive fluoroscopy is effective for reducing radiation exposure to catheterization laboratory physicians and technical staff.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗