Simplifying the reduction of environmental impact of a PET-CT scanner

We are aware that medical imaging significantly contributes to the environmental footprint of hospitals. The Nuclear Medicine department at Alrijne Hospital posed the question, "What is the environmental impact of our PET-CT scanner?" No scientific research on this matter has been conducted anywhere in the world.

They enlisted the help of Laura Artz, a student of Technical Medicine participating in the Thesis Lab Sustainable Hospitals program at Medical Delta and LDE Centre for Sustainability, where Alrijne had reserved a research spot.

Examining how specific tissues or organs function

PET-CT is a diagnostic procedure that uses a radioactive substance to observe how specific tissues or organs function, such as in cases of cancer, cardiovascular, and neurological issues. In cancer, for instance, the radioactive substance attaches to rapidly dividing cells, revealing them as dark spots on the screen. This method is valuable for detecting tumors and/or metastases.

Because the PET-CT scanner is increasingly utilized, mentors from Alrijne, including Alina van der Burgt (technical medical specialist), Frits Smit (nuclear medical specialist), and Nicole Bakker (clinical physicist), were interested in making this research method 'as green as possible.'

Saving 30% in Energy Consumption

Laura Artz researched the scanner's energy consumption, associated waste, and the production of radioactive pharmaceuticals used with PET-CT. During the study, Artz tested various scanner settings. "By placing an energy meter in the hospital basement, we could assess the impact. Ultimately, it turned out that we could save 30% in energy consumption by using a specific setting. In the morning, the MBBs (medical nuclear imaging technologists) will need to start up the PET-CT, taking an extra 7 minutes. Fortunately, they don't mind using that time to put on their gear and grab a cup of coffee. After all, it needs to be done."

Alrijne can, with relatively simple actions, make the use of PET-CT more environmentally friendly. Literally, with two button presses, employees can save energy consumption equivalent to what 5.5 Dutch households use annually. "Check if your equipment can be turned off after working hours or put into an energy-saving mode," says Artz. "It often requires minimal effort and can yield significant results."

Artz also investigated other environmental impacts of Alrijne's PET-CT scanner, such as waste and the use of radioactive substances. Read the full article here on Alrijne.nl (NL).

More research results from the Thesis Lab

Two other graduates from the Thesis Lab were recently interviewed for regional newspapers of Mediahuis about their findings. This article can be read here (NL).