ARSAC Flashcards
(16 cards)
What is ARSAC?
Administration of Radioactive Substances Advisory Committee - an expert committee to advise on practical usage of radioactive materials for clinical use
Why does ARSAC exist?
Requirement of Basic Safety Standard Directive 2013 (requirement for a license to administer radioactive substances for medical purposes or research) which is transposed into IR(ME)R17 (regulation 5)
Who is the ARSAC licensing authority for Employers in England?
The Secretary of State
Who is the ARSAC licensing authority for Practitioners in GB?
The Secretary of State
When is an ARSAC license required?
For any administration of a radioactive substance that results in an effective dose > 1 microSv
A license is required for EACH specified purpose
Why do Practitioners need an ARSAC license?
To justify administration
Why do Employers need an ARSAC license?
For each administration at each medical radiological installation
How long is an ARSAC license issued for?
5 years
What should be included in an Employer ARSAC application?
Training details, equipment, procedures, DRLs, governance arrangements
What is a PPL?
Particular Patient Licence
- Used in the case of an urgent medical need
When can you not use a PPL?
- For research
- Multiple administration of the same type - must be added to licence
- Can’t be novel (i.e. ARSAC has never authorised before)
What are the ARSAC NfG?
Notes for Guidance - published annually with guidance on licenses, applications, research, investigations in the young and pregnant, DRLs, doses
How are the procedures groups in the ARSAC NfG?
In functional groups
How is effective dose calculated in the ARSAC NfG?
Using the DRL and applied tissue weighting factors from ICRP 60, using MIRD method from ICRP 128
What are 2 inaccuracies from the ARSAC NfG tables with the effective dose?
Use DRLs to estimate dose to healthy standard sized patients
How is foetal dose inferred in the ARSAC NfG?
Inferred from uterus dose, neglecting cross-placental irradiation
