Development of a software for radioactive waste management.

• Grant number: 25/07422-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2025
• End date: November 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Medical Radiology
• Principal Investigator: Katia Hiromoto Koga
• Grantee: Geovane James de Lima
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina (FMB). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Botucatu. Botucatu , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Healthcare service waste represents about 1% to 3% of the total and is classified based on its characteristics and associated risks. The regulation of waste management is the responsibility of the National Health Surveillance Agency, the National Environmental Council, and the National Commission for Nuclear Energy (CNEN), the latter being responsible for managing waste with radiation levels. Nuclear medicine is a medical specialty that uses radioactive substances, called radioisotopes or radiopharmaceuticals, for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Radioactive material is administered to the patient, meaning that all materials used for the preparation and administration of radioactive substances are considered radioactive waste. The management of this waste includes segregation, collection, packaging, identification, storage, and disposal, which involve direct exposure of the occupationally exposed individual (OEI). Based on ALARA principles, we propose the development of software for use on mobile phones, tablets, and desktops to manage radioactive waste. This software will allow the identification of solid/liquid waste using QR code labels for later location in the storage area via the device's camera for disposal. The software will also send a notification one day before the final disposal of the waste. Additionally, the application will include an inventory of radioactive waste, which will be available to all registered users. This project will be developed using the radioactive waste inventory database from the Nuclear Medicine Service of the Hospital das Clínicas, Botucatu Medical School - Unesp (SMN-HCFMB). The waste management steps were described according to the procedures established in this service. The software development will follow a three-layer architecture: Frontend: React with Next.js for the interface and API RESTful interaction. Backend: Node.js with Express.js for HTTP requests, security with bcrypt, and database communication. Database: MySQL with MySQL Workbench for persistent storage. (AU)