## 3 Results
#### 3.1.1 Environmental Radiation Exposure in the \({}^{99m}\)Tc-MDP Bone Scintigraphy Workplaces
Figure 5A shows the decrease in dose response with time measured by Nanodots and the linear regression models for each location in the table. The R\({}^{2}\) values indicate a strong linear  
Figure 5: \({}^{99m}\)Tc-MDP dose response over time at Hp(10), Hp(3), and Hp(0.07). (**A**) Dose response (uSv) over 12 h at: thumb, index finger, ring finger, palm, right eye lens, and left eye lens. (**B**) Dose response for Hp(10), Hp(3), and Hp(0.07) over time, measured in uSv. Results are presented as mean \(\pm\) standard deviation (\(n=30\)). correlation, ranging from 0.95 to 0.98 across different locations. Additionally, Figure 5B displays the dose responses obtained by OSL, and the table illustrates the linear regression equations and R\({}^{2}\) values, demonstrating a strong correlation between Hp(10) and Hp(0.07). In contrast, Hp(3) shows a slightly weaker correlation (R\({}^{2}\) = 0.88). Occupational Effective Dose Estimation During Different Steps of \({}^{99m}\)Tc-MDP Bone Scintigraphy Procedure: A Single Dosimetry Algorithm Evaluation  
[PERSON] et al. Occupational Effective Dose Estimation Algorithm [22]  
Table 1 details the results of the [PERSON] et al. algorithm (Equation (4)) based on a single OSL to estimate staff occupational effective dose. The first stage in the preparation of \({}^{99m}\)Tc-MDP is radiolabeling and eluting \({}^{99m}\)TcO\({}_{4}\)\({}^{-}\) from \({}^{99}\)Mo/\({}^{99m}\)Tc. In this process the radiopharmaceutical receives an estimated occupational dose of 6.49 \(\times\) 10\({}^{-5}\)\(\mu\)Sv/h. From elution to quality control, vial calibration, and final release, the estimated effective dose to the radiopharmaceutical is 6.50 \(\times\) 10\({}^{-3}\)\(\mu\)Sv/h. Additionally, the nurse preparing the syringe, administering the \({}^{99m}\)Tc-MDP, and patient care receives an estimated 12.56 \(\mu\)Sv/h. The next step carried out by the radiological technologist and assistant, positioning and imaging the patient, is estimated as 12.56 \(\mu\)Sv/h. On completion of the imaging and patient discharge, the occupational effective dose is estimated at 0.43 \(\mu\)Sv/h. These results, while indicative of exposure, are well within the safety limits set by regulatory organizations, ensuring the well-being of all involved. The time spent by the pharmacist to prepare \({}^{99m}\)Tc-MDP is 0.94 h, which equates to 48.30% of the total time and 0.04% of the [PERSON] et al. estimated total occupational effective dose of 59.80 \(\mu\)Sv/h. The nurse preparing the syringe, administering \({}^{99m}\)Tc-MDP, and patient care was 7.70% of the total time and 26.01% of the estimated total occupational effective dose. Whilst the radiological technologist and assistant, positioning and imaging the patient represented 39.36% of the total time and 73.05% of the estimated total occupational effective dose. On completion of the imaging, patient discharge represented 4.62% of the total time and 0.90% of the total occupational effective dose. In summary, Table 1 highlights that occupational effective doses for personnel involved in \({}^{99m}\)Tc-MDP bone scintigraphy are generally low across most procedural steps, such as labeling, syringe preparation, and quality control, with doses ranging from 6.49 \(\times\) 10\({}^{-5}\)\(\mu\)Sv to 2.69 \(\times\) 10\({}^{-3}\)\(\mu\)Sv. However, the imaging phase, especially during patient positioning, poses a higher exposure risk, with doses reaching 4.48 \(\mu\)Sv for radiological technologists and 6.46 \(\mu\)Sv for their assistants. This increased exposure is attributed to close patient proximity and extended task duration. The use of 5.5-6 mm thick lead shielding effectively minimizes exposure, even during high-activity tasks involving 18,500 MBq. Staff exposure during \({}^{99m}\)Tc-MDP bone scintigraphy remains within safety limits due to effective radiation safety protocols, including time management, distancing, and shielding.