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The VMBv Bachelor Thesis Award is presented annually to a student whose work makes a demonstrable contribution to the development of the medical imaging profession.
During the graduation ceremony of the Bachelor’s programme in Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy at Odisee University of Applied Sciences, Seppe Verlinden was honoured with the VMBv Bachelor Thesis Award 2025. His thesis, “Development of a Standard Decontamination Procedure in Nuclear Medicine,” provides a concrete, evidence-based framework that addresses a significant gap in Belgian practice.
The study demonstrates that Belgian nuclear medicine departments lack a uniform decontamination procedure, which can lead to ambiguity and risks during incidents involving radioactive contamination. Seppe therefore developed a broadly applicable standard protocol that hospitals can use as a reference for safety and quality assurance.
The thesis stood out for its methodological rigour, strong practical relevance, and clear added value for the field. Its findings contribute to improved patient and staff safety within nuclear medicine.
Seppe plans to use the award to further his professional development and deepen his expertise at the intersection of technology and medical imaging. He has already received a job offer to work as a technologist in a radiology department — a promising addition to the team.
The VMBv warmly congratulates Seppe on this achievement and thanks him for his valuable contribution to the medical imaging profession.
Abstract
Objective: In Belgian nuclear medicine, a standardized decontamination procedure is currently lacking, which can lead to unclear and potentially hazardous situations in cases of radioactive contamination. This study aimed to develop a broadly applicable, evidence-based standard protocol that can serve as a reference framework for hospitals.
Methods: A descriptive mixed-method design was used. Fifty nuclear medicine departments in Flanders and Brussels were contacted by email. In total, 30 hospitals participated — 28 completed an online questionnaire and 24 submitted their existing decontamination procedure. Additionally, a literature review was conducted, and the 24 collected protocols were analysed for content, completeness, and applicability.
Results: Contamination incidents occur regularly, particularly during injections and skeletal scintigraphy. Reporting and follow-up procedures vary greatly between hospitals. Most existing protocols show substantive shortcomings, such as the absence of clear definitions, illustrations, and differentiation between isotopes or severity levels. Based on the collected data, a standardized procedure was developed, including an escalation matrix, material requirements, and a distinction between minor and major contamination events.
Conclusion: There is a clear need for uniform and comprehensive practical guidelines. The proposed protocol, developed on the basis of the identified criteria, provides a useful framework to improve patient and staff safety and serves as a foundation for further optimisation in nuclear medicine practice.
