The Medical University of South Carolina holds a license for the
use of radioactive material. The license is granted by the South Carolina Department
of Health and Environmental Control under the auspices of the United States
Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Provisions of the license require MUSC to be
in full compliance with all regulations regarding ionizing radiation required
by both federal and state statutes. The Radiation Safety Office's mission, under
direction of the MUSC Radiation Safety Committee, is to ensure compliance and
provide support to any areas within MUSC utilizing radiation for research or
patient care.
The Radiation Safety Office monitors all activities involving
radiation and maintains exposures "As Low As Reasonably Achievable"
(ALARA), to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for employees and
patients. An interactive system of inspections, audits, training and emergency
preparedness is in place to assure safe radiation management. Surveys of radiation
producing equipment are performed routinely. Calibration of radiation measuring
devices is performed by the Radiation Safety Office staff. Patients who receive
radiotherapy treatments and research subjects involved in radioisotope research
studies are monitored by staff members. The Office also develops radiation shielding
plans for new and existing construction. Safe disposal of radioactive waste
is provided to all radioactive material users.