Validating a Radionuclide Method for Radiation Shielding Verification in Medical Imaging Departments
The proper design and installation of lead shielding is an important aspect of radiation safety in medical imaging departments.
Comprehensive testing of new installations (such as in the new Royal Adelaide Hospital), to standards required under SA Radiation Regulations, are time-consuming and labour intensive.
Various testing methods are available but the radionuclide method lends itself to future automation.
The aim of this project is to assist in the validation of a radionuclide NaI probe-based method that determines lead thickness and integrity using transmission data from a gamma-ray source (99mTc).
The student will evaluate the various factors (detector characteristics, scatter, wall design etc.) that influence the accuracy and reproducibility of the method – using both experimental methods and Monte Carlo (EGSnrc) simulation. The basic simulation model will be provided, but will require further development/refinement. As such, the project is suited to students with an interest in computing.
Research in Medical Physics operates in collaboration with Medical Physicists working in hospitals around Adelaide. One of the strengths of the program is the opportunity it provides for students to work in a hospital environment and to gain insight into clinical procedures.
An honours project in medical physics can provide an excellent introduction to the MPhil or a PhD in this field, and to a medical physics career. The program is coordinated by Dr Alex Santos and Dr Michael Douglass.
- Research in Radiotherapy Physics is carried out in the Department of Medical Physics at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.
- Projects in Medical Imaging Physics are available at both Flinders Medical Centre (Radiology) and the Royal Adelaide Hospital (Nuclear Medicine).
Supervisors
- Dr Alex Santos | Dr Michael Douglass
- Research area: Medical physics
- Recommended honours enrolment: Honours in Physics