Camilla Andersson

A Tomographic Method for Verification of the Integrity of Spent Nuclear Fuel Assemblies - I: Simulation Studies

Abstract A tomographic method for experimental investigation of the integrity of used light water reactor fuel assemblies has been developed. It is based on spectroscopic measurements of the gamma radiation from fission products in fuel rods. The method utilizes beforehand information about the nominal geometry of both the measured fuel assembly and the measurement equipment. A reconstruction code of the algebraic type has been written. The potential of the technique has been examined in extensive simulations, assuming a gamma-ray energy of either 662 keV (137Cs) or 1274 keV (154Eu). The ability of detecting various configurations of manipulated rods, both single and in groups, has been investigated. Two main types of manipulations have been simulated. First, there is the removal of rods without replacement. The results indicate that all investigated configurations of removed rods in boiling water reactor (BWR) fuel can be reliably detected using 137Cs radiation. For pressurized water reactor (PWR) fuel, the same result is obtained, with the exception of the most central positions. Here, the more penetrating radiation from 154Eu may have to be used. Second, there is the replacement of rods with fresh fuel or fuel-like material. The results clearly indicate that all simulated cases of such manipulation can be most confidently detected. The simulations include various configurations of replaced rods in both BWR and PWR fuel, using both gamma-ray energies.

Assessment of Whether Patients' Knowledge, Satisfaction, and Experience Regarding Their 18F-Fluoride PET/CT Examination Affects Image Quality.

The aim of this study was to investigate patients’ previous knowledge, satisfaction, and experience regarding an 18F-fluoride PET/CT examination and to explore whether any discomfort or pain during the examination was associated with reduced image quality. A further aim was to explore whether patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was associated with their satisfaction and experience regarding the examination. Methods: Between November 2011 and April 2013, 50 consecutive patients with a histopathologic diagnosis of prostate cancer who were scheduled for 18F-fluoride PET/CT were asked to participate in the study. A questionnaire was used to collect information on the patients’ previous knowledge and experience regarding the examination. Image quality was assessed according to an arbitrary scale. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-C30) and the prostate cancer–specific module (QLQ-PR25) were used to assess HRQoL. Results: Forty-six patients (96%) completed the questionnaire. Twenty-six percent did not at all know what a 18F-fluoride PET/CT examination was. Most (52%–70%) were satisfied to a very high degree with the care provided by the nursing staff but were less satisfied with the information given before the examination. Image quality was similar between patients who were exhausted or claustrophobic during the examination and those who were not. No correlations between HRQoL and the patients’ experience regarding 18F-fluoride PET/CT were found. Conclusion: Most patients were satisfied with the care provided by the nursing staff, but there is still room for improvement, especially regarding the information provided before the examination. A long examination time may be strenuous for the patient, but there was no difference in image quality between patients who felt discomfort or pain during the examination and those who did not.

Effects of web-based information on patient satisfaction and image quality in patients undergoing an 18F-FDG PET/CT examination : a randomized controlled trial

Our aim was to compare the effect that having access, versus not having access, to web-based patient information on 18F-FDG PET/CT has on image quality and on patient satisfaction with their care during and knowledge about the examination, as well as to explore whether patients utilized and were satisfied with the web-based information. Methods: We recruited 148 patients between October 2015 and December 2016 and randomly assigned them to a standard-care group or an intervention group. Both groups received standard information about the 18F-FDG PET/CT examination, but the intervention group also received access to web-based information. A questionnaire was used to evaluate patient satisfaction with, knowledge about, and discomfort during the examination, and a masked assessment of image quality was conducted. Results: Overall satisfaction was high in both groups. The lowest satisfaction was with information about how the patients would receive the results of the examination. More patients in the intervention group than in the standard-care group knew how the 18F-FDG PET/CT examination would be conducted. Descriptive data suggest that image quality was slightly better in the intervention group than in the standard-care group, but none of the outcomes significantly differed between the groups. However, several obstacles were encountered during recruitment that led to insufficient power to detect differences. Also, only 54 of 75 patients (72%) in the intervention group utilized the web-based information. However, those who did utilize the information were satisfied with it and found it helpful. Conclusion: The effects of web-based information need to be investigated in a larger sample of patients. Having access to improved information before undergoing 18F-FDG PET/CT may help patients prepare for and undergo the examination. It may also improve image quality. However, this possibility needs to be investigated using image quality as the primary outcome. The results may be used to improve patient information and care and thereby optimize the 18F-FDG PET/CT procedure.

It's a question of endurance – Patients with head and neck cancer experiences of 18F-FDG PET/CT in a fixation mask

PURPOSE This study aimed to explore how patients with head and neck cancer experienced undergoing an 18F-fluoro-deoxy-glucose positrons emissions tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) examination in a fixation mask. METHOD Interviews were conducted with nine patients with known or suspected head and neck cancer who were scheduled for the examination for the first time. The phenomenological method according to van Manen and his four lifeworld existentials; lived space, lived body, lived time, and lived relation was used to analyse the interviews. RESULTS The thoughts and feelings of the patients during the PET/CT examination varied, some found it very difficult, while others did not. However, for all the patients, it was an experience that required some form of coping to maintain composure for example distraction. CONCLUSIONS PET/CT examnation in a fixation mask may be strenuous for some patients. Patients need more detailed information, including suggestions for coping behaviours, prior to the examination, as well as higher level of support during and after the examination. The results of this study may be used to improve patient care and optimize the procedure of PET/CT examination in a fixation mask.